England fans face early morning match without bank holiday
Sir Keir Starmer will deny England fans a bank holiday to cheer on the Three Lions for their potential last 16 tie, which kicks off at 1am, reports BritPanorama.
England will face DR Congo in the round of 32 at 5pm on July 1, and should they progress, Thomas Tuchel’s side will play either Mexico or Ecuador in the next round. The contest, set to occur at the Estadio Azteca, will begin at 1am and could conclude around 3am, unless extra time or penalties extend play into the early hours of the morning.
Should extra time be necessary, the game might not finish until 4am. England fans will have to manage their sleep schedules carefully, with many facing work commitments the following Tuesday after potentially staying up late to support their team.
Tuchel’s squad reached the last 32 after a decisive victory against Panama, where goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham propelled them into this next stage. DR Congo advanced through the third-place route, with star player Yoane Wissa eager to challenge the Three Lions. “England is going to be a different game, a tough game against top players and a top opponent,” Wissa stated, clearly anticipating the matchup.
Wissa expressed his desire to prove his capabilities, particularly after a challenging season at Newcastle following his move from Brentford. “I didn’t show my best face at Newcastle but I knew that my time will come and this time is now,” he remarked. “It’s been a tough injury…I’m in a good place, I’m good physically, so that’s why I’m proud to show that I’m a good player.”
Tuchel also highlighted the importance of his key players stepping up for the match, calling on Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, and Bukayo Saka to contribute significantly against DR Congo.
As anticipation builds for the match, it serves as a sharp reminder of how early starts and late finishes are part of the football fan’s experience. Supporters are bracing for a night that could blend exhilaration with exhaustion, all in the name of their national team.
