Police have stepped up security across Atlanta as the city prepares to host England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.
The Atlanta Police Department has deployed extra officers and resources around the city ahead of the match, with increased patrols planned around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other high-traffic areas.
Thousands of England and Argentina supporters are set to descend on the city for the first World Cup knockout meeting between the nations since David Beckham's red card in England's dramatic last-16 exit in 1998.
The semi-final has been classified as the highest risk match at the World Cup so far, according to the FBI. To ensure public safety, fans will enter the stadium through two separate gates, but once inside, they will not be segregated.
England supporter Rob Osborn said the fixture still carries the weight of decades of history, including Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal at the 1986 World Cup.
"There's so much history and so much rivalry – going back to 1986," Rob said. "If we can stop the Argentinians from cheating, then I think we might have a shot."
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, the UK's football policing lead, praised the conduct of England fans at Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami.
"The conduct of England fans has been exemplary throughout the tournament," he said. "We urge supporters watching Wednesday's match at home to follow the example set by fans travelling in the United States."
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus in the face of emotion surrounding the fixture.
"We've been very well respected within the game," he said. "Decisions go our way, they don't go our way, we just reset, we go again and we let the football do the talking."
