Forget storms… we need a Harrikane! As weathermen predict thunder and lightning WILL delay 1am Mexico showdown, England fans back home gear up for an epic all-nighter
They face a host nation in their capital and are playing high with no time to adapt.
There was a mad scuffle with Fifa for four hours, they didn’t even know when kick off would be and then when they arrived they received a hostile reception from the rowdy locals.
We can easily say that England’s preparations for the World Cup last 16 match against Mexico have not been smooth at all.
The weather forecast has worsened overnight and there is now a 90 per cent chance of a storm at kick-off (at 1am UK time tomorrow).
Fifa’s call for a 30-minute delay when lightning strikes near a stadium is sure to cause disruption.
So are England’s noisy supporters discouraged? Not a little!
The mood was defiantly optimistic when they arrived in Mexico City last night, singing and celebrating.
They believe Thomas Tuchel’s men can get past Mexico, even though the home team has lost just two of the 89 matches they have played at the Azteca Stadium, located 2,240 meters above sea level.
Harry Kane comes to Mexico City. England play against the host nation in their capital, playing high with no time to adjust
England fans celebrate at Boxpark. While bosses across the country honored last-minute furlough requests on Friday, many were preparing for thousands of workers to be called in sick on Monday
Alfie Van Loo, 45, from Leatherhead, Surrey, said: ‘This match was always going to be a dream match.
Mexico in ‘Azteca’; It doesn’t get any bigger than this. I paid £1000 for the ticket but I don’t care. The atmosphere will be unforgettable.’
Blackburn retiree Andy Allen said: ‘It’s going to be great, I can’t wait for it. The atmosphere there will be electric. We just have to hold our nerves.’
Offshore worker Danny Thompson, 44, from Ipswich, said: ‘It’s going to be tough but we’ll stay positive.’
The can-do spirit is shared throughout the England camp. Captain Harry Kane, who has already scored five goals in this tournament, said: ‘This is about writing our own history.
‘We know we have the chance to do something truly special in a special stadium away from home. That’s why you play football, to have these epic matches.’
The country is gearing up for an all-night party with England fans stocking up to cheer on the Three Lions.
An estimated 13 million people are expected to tune in, while around 6,000 pubs are expected to make money after the government made a U-turn, meaning they could stay open until 5am.
An incredible 38 million pints are expected to be drunk in pubs or by fans cheering on England from the sofa at home.
Pub chain Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs across England would remain open late.
While bosses across the country were granting last-minute leave requests on Friday, many were preparing for thousands of workers to fall ill on Monday. Parents wrestle with whether to let their children stay up.
Some schools allow students to attend classes later than usual.
A message posted on Facebook by Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough said: “We would prefer children to be rested and ready to learn rather than tired or absent from school.”
Greenland Community Primary School in County Durham said children could arrive at 10am and did not need to wear uniforms.
