The UK Government stepped in to oppose FIFA moving the England vs Mexico match from 1am, fearing Thomas Tuchel’s side would have less time to adapt to the altitude for their Round of 16 clash
Keir Starmer stepped in to stop FIFA from bringing forward kick-off at the Estadio Azteca, over fears the alteration could hand World Cup co-hosts Mexico an unfair edge over England.
The UK Government intervened through diplomatic means to block moving the fixture from 1am to 7pm BST because it would mean Thomas Tuchel’s squad had less time to acclimatise to the altitude, it is understood. Starmer ordered the intervention after being made aware of the potential issue by the Football Association, which is understood to have contacted Downing Street ahead of the match.
England battled past hostility, altitude and Jarell Quansah’s red card to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory against Mexico on Monday morning UK time and secure a quarter-final showdown with Norway.
The fixture was scheduled to kick-off at 1am UK time (6pm local time), but with the risk of lightning in the vicinity, the stadium implemented its thunderstorm protocol and the game eventually began at 2am UK time (7pm local time).
Outgoing Prime Minister Starmer intervened last week with emergency legislation to permit pubs to remain open late for the Round of 16 tie.
England went on to beat Mexico 3-2 in one of the Three Lions’ most thrilling performances in recent memory. Thomas Tuchel’s belief that England can win the World Cup was fuelled by the win – but the night also increased his concerns about the potential for “erratic” officiating costing his side.
Those who stayed up late to watch the delayed last-16 encounter on an electrifying evening at the Estadio Azteca were rewarded with an inspirational performance against adversity.
England overcame hostility, altitude and Jarell Quansah’s red card, among other things, to triumph 3-2 against co-hosts Mexico, with Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace and a Harry Kane penalty complemented by dogged defending.
Tuchel’s 10 men earned a quarter-final date with Norway in Miami this Saturday and moved within three wins of joining Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes in immortality.