After England’s thrilling World Cup victory over Mexico in a late-night match, the usual hustle and bustle of commuter hubs in Britain was notably absent. Fans, who stayed up late to watch the game that kicked off at 2 am due to severe weather, opted to work from home, take leave, or skip the morning commute altogether.
The match, originally scheduled for 1 am UK time, faced a delay as thunderstorms prompted officials to implement the stadium’s protocol. Eventually starting at 2 am and concluding past 4 am, the game saw Thomas Tuchel’s team secure a spot in the quarter-finals with Jude Bellingham scoring two quick goals before Harry Kane sealed the victory.
Following the unforgettable game, many fans chose to catch up on sleep rather than head to work, leading to quieter roads and train stations across the country. Despite the initial talks to reschedule the match due to weather concerns, the game went ahead as planned, with pubs staying open until 5 am to accommodate excited supporters.
The decision to extend licensing hours allowed fans to watch the entire match without worrying about closing time. The victory, marked by celebrations both in pubs and homes, propelled England to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway at a more reasonable 10 pm kick-off time, sparing fans another sleepless night. The dream of World Cup glory remains alive for England supporters.