Match Rescheduled to Avoid Severe Weather
England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at Azteca Stadium has been moved to an earlier kick-off time due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in Mexico City. The game, originally scheduled for 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday), will now kick off at 12pm central time (7pm BST on Sunday), according to Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports. Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico's official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, also confirmed the change. FIFA has yet to officially announce the switch.
Adverse Weather Affects Previous World Cup Matches
This is not the first time weather has disrupted the tournament. Mexico's win against Ecuador in the round of 32 was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms around Azteca Stadium. Similarly, France's 3-0 win against Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed by over two hours because of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
England Players Adaptable, Says Rashford
England forward Marcus Rashford commented on the change, stating, 'I think for us it's the same how we prepare for the game. It has to remain the same, we have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything... Obviously it's not ideal but also it doesn't really matter.' England is currently at their training base in Kansas City and is scheduled to travel to Mexico City later on Friday.
Altitude Concerns for England
England's players and staff have raised concerns about playing at altitude, as Azteca Stadium sits at approximately 7,200 feet above sea level. Mexico has played all four of their matches at high altitude, including three at Azteca and one in Guadalajara (around 5,000 feet). Thomas Tuchel said after England's win over DR Congo: 'The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it. It just takes too much time. We have only three days in between these matches. It's physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that. This is just something with which we will have to deal. And I think we showed the attitude that we are ready for that.'
Security and Disturbance Concerns
England is also keeping the location of their team hotel in Mexico City secret to avoid disturbances from supporters. This follows a complaint from Ecuador to FIFA after Mexico fans gathered outside their hotel the night before their match, using car horns, motorcycles, and loudspeakers to disrupt players from midnight until early morning.
