MEXICO CITY, July ⁠3 (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday ⁠urged fans to avoid heavy drinking ‌and steer clear of packed gathering spots if the national team beats England on Sunday in the World Cup ​round of 16, after celebrations ⁠following Mexico's last victory ⁠left at least four people dead in the ⁠capital.

The ‌deaths occurred near Mexico City's central Paseo de la Reforma, where about ⁠one million people gathered to celebrate Mexico's ​2-0 win ‌over Ecuador in the previous round.

"We must ⁠avoid alcohol ​abuse, because whenever there is excessive drinking at these kinds of celebrations, problems can arise, including ⁠more violence linked to alcohol," ​Sheinbaum said at her regular morning press conference.

She also called on supporters to avoid overcrowded areas, ⁠saying fans and authorities alike share responsibility for ensuring celebrations remain safe.

Three of the victims in the capital - a 44-year-old man and two ​women, aged 19 and 48 - ⁠died of suffocation after being crushed in ​the crowd, authorities said.

(Report by ‌Raul Cortes; additional reporting by ​Diego Ore; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Bill Berkrot)