England have advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. Thomas Tuchel's side secured the win with a late Harry Kane double, but fans now face a challenging kick-off time for the next match.
England's Next Match: Late Night for UK Fans
The reward for beating DR Congo is a clash against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City this Sunday. The match kicks off at 6pm local time, which translates to 1am UK time on Monday morning. Supporters will need to stay up until around 3am to watch the full match, with many facing a sleepless night before heading to work just hours later.
Potential Quarter-Final at Friendlier Time
Should England beat Mexico to reach the quarter-finals, fans will be spared further late-night kick-offs. A potential last-eight fixture – against Brazil or Norway – is scheduled for 10pm UK time on Saturday, July 11. A semi-final on July 15, which could see England face holders Argentina, would kick off at a more viewer-friendly 8pm UK time. The final on Sunday, July 19, also starts at 8pm UK time, with France and Spain among the possible opponents.
Tuchel Warns Fans Not to Expect 'Sexy Football'
Before the DR Congo match, Tuchel cautioned fans not to expect 'sexy football' in the knockout stages. He said: 'I just love it. It gives an extra edge. It's what makes FA Cup special and Carabao Cup. But the first rounds are not sexy. They're not glamorous. You need to overcome them, and later it becomes glamorous. You need to wear opponents down. We have more of the same to come, so need to get our expectations right. Don't get frustrated, keep on believing because we have 90 minutes, we have 120 minutes and we have a lot of chances to win this match.'
England's Route to the Final
England topped Group L before overcoming DR Congo in the round of 32. A win against Mexico would set up a quarter-final against Brazil or Norway. The semi-final could pit them against Argentina, while the final might feature France or Spain. Tuchel's side will need to navigate these challenges, with fans hoping for a more favourable kick-off time as the tournament progresses.
