Kick-off was originally scheduled for 1am UK time (6pm local time) on Monday, but plans were to move the kick-off to 7pm on Sunday night (noon local time). The reason behind the proposed changes was to avoid thunderstorms expected at and around kick-off time in Mexico City, while ensuring the safety of fans attending the match.
However, those plans were scrapped late Friday night after being informed that the game would be played at the scheduled kick-off time. It is now reported that Prime Minister Starmer has intervened in the decision and urged the FA to withdraw the transfer agreement.
A spokesperson for The Sun newspaper said: “The Mexicans were really trying to stir up a storm and move the game. But Kia had no interest in that and stopped short because they suspected they were trying to derail England’s preparations by giving them time to adapt to the altitude.”
The FA have reportedly contacted Downing Street to see if they are open to changing the kick-off. This comes after the soon-to-resign prime minister passed emergency legislation allowing pubs to stay open until 5am to allow fans to watch games locally.
England’s heroics at the Azteca Stadium mean their World Cup campaign continues in Miami with a quarter-final match against Norway looming. After the win, manager Thomas Tuchel praised the players’ mentality, saying: “It was a heroic performance and a heroic result.
“I’m very happy for the players and for me to be able to live this experience these past two days. It’s a very special memory and despite all the adversity, that’s what makes it so special for us. If any team has heart and belief, it’s this team. They did it with sheer will. No words needed. An iconic game, an iconic stadium, we overcame a lot of adversity to be where we are today.”
A victory over Norway would see England advance to the semi-finals for the second time since 1990. The Three Lions’ most likely opponents in the semi-finals will be Argentina, who will face Egypt in the Round of 16, with the winner facing either Colombia or Switzerland.
