England vs Mexico World Cup kick-off time confirmed after FIFA upsets teams
Talks of a last-minute change upset both teams
England's match against Mexico will stick to its original kick-off time, despite discussions of a last-minute alteration by FIFA - a move that left both teams upset and in the dark.
The Three Lions are scheduled to play their round of 16 encounter in Mexico City at 1am on Monday morning UK time, but the threat of storms led to considerations of bringing it forward six hours to a 7pm start.
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.
FIFA's World Cup regulations say the governing body has "the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches…for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns".
News of the possible change left England disgruntled, firstly due to being kept out of the loop and learning about the potential change through the media, and secondly because it significantly disrupted their preparations.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre hammered FIFA upon hearing that their showdown at the Azteca was potentially shifting to a midday start local time on Sunday, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga on Radio Formula, he said: "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."
England striker Marcus Rashford 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."
The original kick-off time means the decision taken by Prime Mininster Keir Starmer to keep pubs open until 5am will leave the hospitality industry poised to bank huge sums with the rare start time creating a unique atmosphere.