A fan zone in Gateshead is offering free espresso shots at half time to help fans stay awake during England's World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday. The Summer on the Southside venue, located on the banks of the Tyne, is preparing for a late-night crowd as England face one of the host nations at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
England's Path to the Quarter-Finals
England secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday night. Harry Kane scored an equaliser in the 75th minute and a winner in the 86th minute after DR Congo took a shock 1-0 lead within the first seven minutes. The win sets up a challenging encounter against Mexico, who have impressed throughout the tournament. The high altitude of the Azteca Stadium is a concern for Gareth Southgate's squad as they aim to silence the home crowd and advance to the quarter-finals.
Fan Zone Details
While Newcastle's Times Square was not granted permission to open for the match, several fan zones in the area are gearing up for the clash. Summer on the Southside is inviting fans to purchase tickets and arrive early to watch Brazil take on Norway before the main event. Organisers confirmed to ChronicleLive on Sunday afternoon that they will distribute free espresso at half time, ensuring supporters remain alert throughout the early hours. Additionally, £1 lattes will be available all night for an extra caffeine boost.
Match Timing and Concerns
There were reports on Friday that the match could be moved to 7pm UK time due to storm fears, but it will proceed as scheduled at 1am. This means fans in the UK will need to stay up late or sacrifice sleep to watch the game live. The fan zone's initiative aims to make the experience more enjoyable and manageable for those attending.
