England World Cup kick off may shift amid storm fears

The World Cup last sixteen tie involving England could now be moved to a different kick-off time of 7pm British Summer Time (BST).

It’s because of the risk of thunderstorms, according to local media reports. This hasn’t been confirmed or denied yet.

Under safety rules, games face an automatic 30-minute delay if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, with the clock resetting each time there is a new strike.

Multiple schools across the North West have been anticipating the original 1am kickoff, pushing their start times until later in the morning.

Pubs have even gone as far to draft extra staff in, so they can screen the match in the early hours.

England playmaker Morgan Rogers said of the potential change: “It’s just another obstacle to overcome. We’ll be ready regardless of the time.

“Earlier the better because you want to play. There is enough thinking about what is going to happen and the build-up – you just want to play the game.

“Getting that adrenaline out there will help us and get us going and playing. We’re looking forward to it whatever the time is.

“I’m not concerned about it, but won’t be happy if it wakes me up, I’ll be honest. We’ll deal with it as best as possible. It’s another obstacle to get over.”

The match was originally scheduled for an evening start at the Estadio Azteca, but forecasts of severe weather disruption have triggered urgent discussions about rescheduling.

FIFA has not confirmed reports that the kick-off time could change, saying only that safety considerations are being assessed.

It may mean you’ll not have to stay up until Monday morning, when the match is supposed to start at 1am.

England team-mate Marcus Rashford also downplayed the impact of a potential kick-off change.

“I think for us it’s the same, how we prepare for the game,” the forward said. “It has to be the same, we have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything.

“I think it’s one strength of the group, everyone included, the players, the staff, we’re ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. Obviously it’s not ideal, but also it doesn’t matter.”

A kick-off alteration would only add to what England boss Tuchel knew would be “a lot, a lot, a lot of obstacles” awaiting them in Mexico.

Earlier in the tournament, severe weather had already caused disruption, with matches delayed.

One fixture involving France was halted for two hours because of storm conditions, highlighting the ongoing risk facing organisers as the competition reaches its knockout stage.

With England preparing for a high-pressure knockout match against Mexico, attention is now focused not only on the opposition but also on whether conditions will allow the game to start as planned.

If moved, the kick-off could shift to a midday local time slot, creating a very different viewing experience for fans in the United Kingdom and changing the rhythm of one of the tournament’s most anticipated games.

The Football Association has yet to receive confirmation, despite the fact that kick-off time would be less than 48 hours away. FIFA has been approached for comment.

This is a breaking news story – we will bring you more updates as they come.