Two England supporters, who had previously attended the World Cup in Mexico City, shared their harrowing encounter. Jo Lewis and her partner Gary Taylor recounted a distressing time at an official FanFest and cautioned fellow Three Lions fans about the upcoming round of 16 match.

Jo expressed genuine fear for her safety, while Gary, a seasoned attendee of Spurs and England matches, labeled Mexico City as the most dreadful experience he had ever faced at a game. Their testimony followed the tragic news of three fatalities due to suffocation during celebrations after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador, which attracted over a million celebrants to the streets of the capital.

Detailing the chaotic scenes at the FanFest, the couple from Harold Wood, Essex, highlighted the inadequacies in policing, security, and organization, especially when compared to events in the United States. Jo, 44, described the distressing situation where people, including families with children, were being crushed without assistance or concern for their safety.

Their struggle to enter the fanzone, with Jo being swept away in a surge of people, left a lasting impact on them. Gary, 64, explained the overwhelming crowds they faced, emphasizing the lack of proper crowd control measures. Despite the challenges, the couple remains committed to attending all England games, with tickets already secured for the potential final in New York on July 19.

Joining an estimated 5,000 other England supporters in Mexico for the upcoming match, Gary and Jo anticipate a passionate and frenzied atmosphere. The game is scheduled to commence at 1 am UK time on Monday, with England arriving two days prior. Previous incidents involving disruptive behavior by Mexico fans towards opponents, like the fireworks outside Ecuador’s hotel, have added to the tension surrounding the event.