Thomas Tuchel has made a passionate appeal to England supporters ahead of the national team’s World Cup clash with Mexico.
The issue is not only the opponent, the stadium or the stage of the tournament.
It is also the kick-off time.
England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico will start at 1am UK time on Monday, with the possibility of extra time and penalties pushing the final whistle deep into the early morning.
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Tuchel makes appeal to parents
According to UNILAD, Tuchel urged parents to let children watch the match, despite the difficult timing.
“Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,” Tuchel said.
The England manager added that the team would need support from across the country.
“There will be a big, big match on in four days and we need the support of everyone, and especially of the children.”
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The comments came after England beat DR Congo 2-1 to book their place in the next round.
Government pushes back
According to The Guardian, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson rejected the idea that children should miss school because of the match.
“It is up to parents to make their own decisions. We want everyone to enjoy the game but children should be at school on Monday,” the spokesperson said.
The same report said education minister Jacqui Smith also warned against pupils missing learning time, while joking that she would take a “disco nap” before watching the match herself.
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“I quite understand if people want to watch the match, including young people, I will be,” Smith said.
“I’ll be having a little disco nap in the afternoon and I’ll be celebrating our victory the next morning when I go into work, looking obviously as fresh as a daisy.”
A late night at the Azteca
England will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of football’s most famous venues.
The stadium carries deep history for England, as it was the site of Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal during the 1986 World Cup.
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This time, Tuchel’s side return there with a quarter-final place at stake.
The match will already be a major test because of Mexico’s home advantage, the altitude in Mexico City and the pressure of knockout football.
For fans watching back home, however, the first challenge will be staying awake.
England fever meets school reality
The timing has created an unusual debate in England.
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Tuchel wants the country behind his team, including its youngest supporters. The government, meanwhile, is trying to balance national excitement with the ordinary reality of Monday morning school.
That leaves parents to make the final call.
For England, the hope is that the late night will be worth it.
