England manager Thomas Tuchel's suggestion that parents should let their children skip school to watch the World Cup match against Mexico has been firmly rejected by an Education minister. Tuchel made the comments after England's 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging parents to write an excuse for school so children could watch the game, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday.
Tuchel's Call for Truancy
Speaking after the win, Tuchel said: "Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch, there will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children."
Minister's Rejection
However, Labour minister Baroness Jacqui Smith dismissed the idea on LBC, saying: "I don't want to be a killjoy here, but I'll tell you what the biggest killjoy is - young people who then don't have the learning to be able to go on and do what they need to do in life." She added that she understands the excitement but urged parents to prioritise education. "I quite understand if people want to watch the match, including young people, I will be. I'll be having a little disco nap in the afternoon and I'll be celebrating our victory the next morning when I go into work, looking obviously as fresh as a daisy."
Union Boss Calls for Flexible Start
Daniel Kebede, head of the National Education Union, urged Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to allow a flexible start on Monday. "It would be very good I think if the Secretary of State recognised that it's an important event in our calendar and allow a flexible start on that Monday morning. These are such important events in our calendar, and it would be good as many young people as possible could."
England's World Cup Progress
England will face Mexico in the Round of 16 after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday. The match is scheduled for Monday at 1am UK time, prompting the debate over school attendance.
