England have been left stunned after being left in the dark over a FIFA plan to bring forward their World Cup last 16 clash against Mexico.
It is understood the world governing body has hatched a plan to stage the game seven hours earlier (a mid-day local kick-off, 7pm in the UK) due to the threat of thunderstorms.
Neither the Football Association nor the Mexican Football Federation has received confirmation of the change so far, despite widespread reports in Mexico City that the match has already been switched.
Mirror Sport understands FIFA are in ongoing discussions over moving kick-off time of Mexico v England to earlier in day on Sunday due to risk of weather disruption including flooding. But FIFA have yet to confirm the change.
FIFA have also been contacted for comment. The FA are believed to be deeply concerned about the effect this will have on England fans and how they will get to the historic Azteca Stadium.
Not only that but it also impacts the preparations of Thomas Tuchel’s squad as they prepare to combat the high altitude at 2240 metres above sea-level.
The hotly-anticipated contest was initially due to take place at 6pm local time and 1am in the UK.
The government had already confirmed that pubs would be allowed to stay open until 5am but that will no longer be required.
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Should the game be switched as speculated, it would be set to kick-off at the same time as England’s last visit to the Azteca – a 2-1 defeat to Argentina at the 1986 World Cup – when Diego Maradona pulled off the Hand of God.
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