England vs Mexico kick-off time confirmed | Football | Sport

England are scheduled to face Mexico in their last-16 showdown in Mexico City at 1am on Monday morning UK time, but the threat of severe storms had prompted discussions over bringing the fixture forward by six hours to a 7pm start.

England were left deeply frustrated, not only because they had been kept in the dark and had to learn of the potential change through the media, but also because it threatened to seriously disrupt their preparation.

Despite Three Lions players publicly voicing their displeasure over the proposed change, which had yet to be officially confirmed, FIFA have ultimately opted to retain the original kick-off time after weighing up the possibility of rescheduling.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre was scathing in his criticism of FIFA upon learning that the Azteca showdown could become a midday local kick-off on Sunday.

Speaking to journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga on Radio Formula, he said: “That’s right, it’s like a kick in the gut, it changes everything, the plan. It’s not that it’s completely ruined, but almost, because you have to swallow six hours of scheduled training.”

He added: “Obviously, we will abide by what FIFA says. I don’t like it at all, nor do my players. Of course, the food, the nap, the sleep, the physiotherapy, everything, everything, it seems trivial, but it isn’t.”

England striker Marcus Rashford had said: “I think for us it’s the same how we prepare for the game. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it’s one of our strengths as a group.

“Everyone, including the players and staff… we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal but also it doesn’t really matter.”

The original kick-off time means the decision taken by Prime Mininster Keir Starmer to keep pubs open until 5am will leave the hospitality industry poised to bank huge sums with the rare start time creating a unique atmosphere.