England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico is under threat from two fronts – a cacophony of noise orchestrated by locals and severe thunderstorms forecast to hit the stadium. Thomas Tuchel and his staff are preparing players for severe disruption during the night after Mexican fans leaked the team's hotel and abused them on arrival, the Daily Mail reports. The same tactic was used against Ecuador in the round of 32, when supporters created a din in the streets to deprive their opponents of sleep.
Now, even if England's players get rest, the match itself could be delayed. Violent thunderstorms have been forecast over the Estadio Azteca, the Metro adds. The host nation's last game against Ecuador was also hit by poor weather just minutes before the scheduled start, kicking off an hour late. AccuWeather forecasts a 28% chance the same could happen for England's match.
“Mexican fans target England's hotel and storms threaten to delay their World Cup last-16 match.”
The kick-off is already set at 1am UK time, keeping Brits up late. Pubs have been permitted to stay open until 5am on Monday, but fans may need to stay longer. If the game is delayed by an hour and goes to extra time and penalties, Brits could be up until 5am.
Fans are now calling for the government to grant an extra bank holiday on Monday. Garford Beck, founder of EnglandFans FC, who is on a 47-hour road trip to Mexico City, told Metro: 'I want as many people as possible to be able to get behind Thomas and the boys and watch the game back home. Given the importance of the game and the chaotic scenes that's bound to unfold, I support calls for Monday to be granted bank holiday status.' He added: 'I back calls for children to be allowed to stay up too as there is no way they are going to be fit for work. The grown-ups, of course, will most likely drink copious amounts of alcohol whilst watching the game, so they're not likely to be much good for work either.'
Tuchel himself has already told parents they should let their children stay up and 'write an excuse for school' the next day. The demands for a bank holiday hinge on the decision to give Scotland a day off on June 15th to mark their World Cup opener against Haiti. England, meanwhile, face a battle on two fronts – one against Mexico on the pitch, and another against the elements and the opposition's supporters off it.