Is it fair to change the England vs Mexico kick off time? Vote now | Football | Sport

Under tournament safety rules, any lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay. This affected France’s group stage match against Iraq, which was suspended for over an hour at the half-time interval. Mexico, meanwhile, saw their second-round game against Ecuador delayed because of heavy rain.

Moving the kick-off time forward by six hours will hopefully skip the worst of the weather, minimising the possibility of delays.

A new schedule is yet to be confirmed, but reports have indicated that FIFA are in discussions about moving it from the original kick-off time.

The FA are believed to be concerned about the impact the rescheduled kick-off time will have on fans and the logistics for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Tournament regulations state that FIFA have the right to “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches “at its sole discretion”. But is the decision fair?

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“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.”

England team-mate Morgan Rogers added: “We’ll take it how it is. Whatever it is, whatever the task is in front of us, whatever problem we face, or different things that might be a bit difficult.

“We’re just going to attack it full front and be ready as a whole team and be together and talk through what can help us, what can be difficult, and just try and overcome it.”

While the rescheduling is said to have left England furious, the move will benefit millions of UK viewers, who will no longer need to sacrifice sleep in order to watch the match.

It will also be welcomed by pub staff, who were preparing to work until as late as 5am on Monday morning under the original kick-off time.