England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico will kick off at its originally scheduled time on Sunday following discussions over possibly bringing the start of the game forward due to storms.
Reports in the United Kingdom and Mexico said earlier on Friday that FIFA was planning to move the kick-off at the Estadio Azteca from 6:00 p.m. local time to midday due to concerns over forecast storms and flooding in Mexico City on Sunday.
However, a source with knowledge of the FIFA discussions told AFP on Friday that the game would start at its original time, emphasising that “no decision was ever made to reschedule KO time.”
Colombia defeat Ghana to reach World Cup last 16
When asked about the potential change in kick-off, England forward Marcus Rashford said at training on Friday it would not be “ideal” but that players would take it in their stride.
Rashford said: “How we prepare for the game, it has to remain the same. We have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything.
“I think it’s one-in-one strength of the group. Everyone is really good, players and staff.
“We’re ready for whatever challenges (are thrown at us. Obviously, it’s not ideal, but also it doesn’t mean anything.”
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