England's game against Mexico will go ahead at its scheduled kick-off time following discussions over a last-minute change from FIFA - which left both nations furious and completely blindsided.
England are set to face Mexico in the World Cup Round of16 in Mexico City at 8pm ET on Sunday, but the threat of severe storms had prompted talk of moving the fixture forward six hours.
That left England frustrated on two fronts - not only had they been kept in the dark, finding out about the potential change through media reports, but it would have severely disrupted their preparation, as per The Mirror.
Despite England players voicing their displeasure over the proposed schedule change, which had yet to be officially confirmed, FIFA ultimately opted to maintain the original kick-off time after weighing up the possibility of rescheduling.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre didn't hold back when he learned their Estadio Azteca showpiece was facing a midday local time start.
He told Spanish-Mexican journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga on Radio Formula: "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.
"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."
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England striker Marcus Rashford had stated: "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."
Over in England, the unconventional kick-off time, combined with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to extend pub hours until 5am local time, has positioned the hospitality industry to rake in substantial revenues, with the unusual scheduling set to generate a distinctive and electric atmosphere across the country.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
