Greggs benches Mexican sandwich range ahead of high-stakes England clash
Greggs is temporarily withdrawing its entire Mexican chicken sandwich range ahead of England’s high-stakes clash against Mexico on Sunday night.
The game will go ahead as planned at 01:00 BST after a dramatic back-and-forth in which FIFA considered pushing the time forward by six hours due to weather concerns, eventually taking a U-turn.
Mexican chicken baguette, Mexican chicken oval bite and Mexican chicken flatbread will hit shelves in select UK stores this Sunday, with “No Discount” signs displayed before kick-off.
Pubs across the UK will stay open until 5am for the match, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer extending licensing hours in honor of the England team’s progress throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Greggs stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to stock the products, with the company saying this is a decision taken to “recognise that England’s neighbors may have alternative football loyalties this weekend”.
But the Mexican chicken lineup will return to Greggs from Monday morning.
“This is the first time in our history that we have launched a sandwich range, but duty calls,” said Greggs customer manager Zoe Harris.
“It’s nothing personal – it’s a tactical rotation and the master’s call is final. Sorry to the Mexican fans reading this, we loved having you in the starting lineup and you’ll be right back off the bench on Monday morning. May the best team win!”
England booked a place in the last 16 after beating DR Congo in Atlanta despite falling behind early.
The Mexico encounter will provide a unique challenge for the England team as they prepare for the Estadio Azteca, with altitude and the anticipated hostile reception providing additional factors.
“Football may come home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday.
“Pubs staying open until final whistle is good news for fans and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be supporting the team. Come on England!”
