England fans are pleading for an extra bank holiday on Monday to recover from the Three Lions' round of 16 World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am. The plea follows England's last-minute win over DR Congo on Thursday night, setting up the late-night fixture.
Fans Call for Time Off
Supporters argue that the match could extend until 4am if it goes to extra time and penalties, leaving many unable to work the next day. Garford Beck, founder of EnglandFans FC, told Metro: 'I want as many people as possible to be able to get behind Thomas and the boys and watch the game back home. Given the importance of the game and the chaotic scenes that’s bound to unfold, I support calls for Monday to be granted Bank Holiday status.'
Beck, who is on a 47-hour road trip to Mexico City, added: 'I back calls for children to be allowed to stay up too as there is no way they are going to be fit for work. The grown-ups, of course, will most likely drink copious amounts of alcohol whilst watching the game, so they’re not likely to be much good for work either.'
Government Response
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it is 'backing the England team all the way' but noted that 'the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established.' For a special one-off bank holiday to be granted, it would require government approval and a proclamation from the King, which appears unlikely.
Fans have pointed to Scotland's bank holiday on June 15 for their World Cup opener against Haiti, which was technically a Saturday night game. One fan posted: 'Scotland got a Bank Holiday on a Monday when their game was technically Saturday night. Surely we should get Monday off.' Another commented: 'Ok Scottish government gave a Bank Holiday for a late game. England now has one, over to you Mr PM!!!'
Employer Flexibility and Sickies
According to a survey of 1,100 managers by the Chartered Management Institute, only one in five employers plan to offer flexible working hours for the match. New research from AO.com found that more than a quarter of people are considering 'throwing a sickie' or calling in late if England won a match in the early hours.
Nigel Huddleston, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, told Metro he appeals for 'all bosses, where possible, to be flexible about working hours on Monday.'
Schools and Children
England manager Thomas Tuchel has encouraged parents to let their children stay up and 'write an excuse for school' the next day. Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'School leaders are best-placed to make decisions over allowances to recognise the timing of the England versus Mexico match... What we would hope is that the Department for Education recognises the need to allow schools flexibility over how they respond to this unique situation and does not score an own goal by rigidly insisting that it must be business as normal.'
Pubs and Licensing
The Home Office has relaxed licensing laws for the World Cup, allowing pubs to stay open until 1am for games between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm and 10pm. However, there are no provisions for 1am starts, meaning pubs must apply to their local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) licence. Community Secretary Steve Reed has urged councils to grant TENs, but restrictions mean most pubs will close.
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Max Wilkinson MP, said: 'Pubs face missing out on a much needed opportunity to get more money into the till and England fans will be missing out on the opportunity to watch their team together in their local with a beer for the biggest game of the tournament so far.' The party has called for an emergency blanket licensing extension for hospitality venues.
