England are due to play Mexico in the last 16 in Mexico City from 1am UK time on Monday, but there was talk of moving the game forward by six hours to 7pm due to fears of severe storms.
England were left deeply dissatisfied, not only because they had to be kept in the dark and learn of the possible changes through the media, but because it threatened to seriously disrupt their preparations.
Despite Three Lions players publicly expressing displeasure at the proposed change, which has yet to be officially confirmed, FIFA ultimately opted to maintain the original kick-off time after considering the possibility of changing the schedule.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has slammed FIFA after learning the game against the Aztecs could be played in a local kick-off on Sunday noon.
Speaking to journalist Joaquín López Doriga on Radio Formula, he said: “You’re right. It’s like a kick in the gut. Everything, the plan changes. It’s not completely ruined, but it’s almost ruined, because I have to swallow the six hours of training that I had scheduled.”
He added: “Of course we’re going to follow what FIFA says. I don’t like it at all and neither do the players. Of course, eating, napping, sleeping, physical therapy, everything, everything, it seems trivial, but it’s not.”
England striker Marcus Rashford said: “I think for us it’s the same as preparing for a game. We have to focus. We have to be ready for anything. I think that’s one of our strengths as a group.”
“Everyone, including the players and the staff… are ready for any challenges that are thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal, but it doesn’t really matter.”
The original kick-off time means the hotel industry is poised to create a unique atmosphere and amass huge amounts of cash with an unusual start time, following Chancellor Keir Starmer’s decision to keep pubs open until 5am.
