Football World Cup: Fear of thunderstorms: Will England’s clash in Mexico be brought forward?

Mexican media claim to have learned that kick-off will take place on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. CEST/Magenta TV) in the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City. British media also reported on ideas about moving the kick-off forward by six hours. The world association FIFA did not initially confirm this.

Most recently, the Mexicans’ round of 16 match against Ecuador started an hour late due to a heavy thunderstorm. According to FIFA regulations, the governing body can cancel, postpone or relocate World Cup matches at its own discretion.

England professionals are unimpressed

For the English it means another challenge. Because of the unusual altitude – the Aztec Stadium is over 2,200 meters above sea level – coach Thomas Tuchel decided to arrive earlier and spend two nights in Mexico City. Officially, the English association stated shortly before the team’s departure to Mexico that it knew nothing of a relocation.

Midfielder Morgan Rogers said: “It doesn’t affect us. No matter what time we play, we’ll be ready.” His teammate Marcus Rashford was also unimpressed by the speculation. “No matter what comes our way, we will go out to win the game,” said Rashford.