Severe thunderstorms forecast over Mexico City could delay England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, adding to an already late night for fans in the UK. The game is scheduled for a 1am kick-off British time, but violent storms at the Estadio Azteca may push it back further.
Potential delay and impact on fans
According to AccuWeather, there is a 28% chance of a thunderstorm delay, similar to the host nation's previous game against Ecuador, which kicked off an hour late due to poor weather. If the England match is also delayed by an hour and goes to extra time and penalties, fans could be up until 5am.
Pubs have been granted permission to stay open until 5am for the match, but they may need to accommodate longer stays if the weather causes a hold-up. England boss Thomas Tuchel has already encouraged parents to let their children stay up and 'write an excuse for school' the next day.
Calls for a bank holiday
Fans are now urging the government to declare an extra bank holiday on Monday to allow supporters to enjoy the game without worrying about work or school the next day. Garford Beck, founder of EnglandFans FC, who is on a 47-hour road trip to Mexico City, told Metro: 'I want as many people as possible to be able to get behind Thomas and the boys and watch the game back home.'
He added: 'Given the importance of the game and the chaotic scenes that's bound to unfold, I support calls for Monday to be granted Bank Holiday status. I back calls for children to be allowed to stay up too as there is no way they are going to be fit for work. The grown-ups, of course, will most likely drink copious amounts of alcohol whilst watching the game, so they're not likely to be much good for work either.'
The demands echo the decision to give Scotland a day off on June 15th for their World Cup opener against Haiti. England advanced to the last 16 after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
