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England Players React to World Cup Kick-Off Time Change vs Mexico
How England players really feel about the rumoured kick-off time change for their World Cup Round of 16 tie against Mexico has emerged as Thomas Tuchel’s side continue to have their preparations thrown into chaos ahead of Sunday’s clash.
FIFA are yet to confirm the switch, but local media expect the fixture to be brought forward by six hours, meaning the Three Lions would kick off at 7pm in the UK, rather than 1am on Monday morning. With altitude already set to be a major hurdle, preparations have hardly been plain sailing.
Concerns have been compounded by a potentially hostile atmosphere after Ecuador lodged official complaints against El Tri, as fans let off fireworks and banged drums in the early hours outside their team hotel ahead of the Round of 32.
How England Players Feel About Potential Kick-Off Change vs Mexico
The prospect of a kick-off change has now thrown another spanner in the works as England enter the final stages of their preparations, as Mexico City weather forecasts are currently suggesting temperatures could soar to 35 degrees during the midday sunshine.
Despite that, both Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford have downplayed the perception that the change has much of an impact on the team. The former said (watch below):
“I don’t think it really affects us. I think we’ll be ready, regardless of the time. It’s always the way, the build-up and that, you always just want to play the game. So if it’s earlier, then it’ll probably help us, just getting that adrenaline out there, getting going. So yeah, we’re looking forward to it, we’re ready whatever the time.”
Rashford has doubled down on his teammates’ judgement, claiming “It’s a game of football at the end of the day.” The Manchester United winger continued (watch below):
“It might be a small adjustment that we need to make. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t change our outlook on the game and what we’re trying to do. Whatever happens, however the game plays out, we’re going to try to come out on top.”
England FA Reportedly Stunned After Being ‘Left in the Dark’ About Changes
According to the Mirror, the English FA hasn’t taken the same optimistic approach to the alleged changes. They are said to be stunned after being left in the dark over a FIFA plan to bring forward their World Cup last 16 clash.
Neither they nor the Mexican Football Federation have yet received confirmation of the change so far, despite widespread reports in Mexico City that the match has already been switched.
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. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what will happen to the UK’s emergency law change that has allowed pubs to remain open until 5am.
FIFA landed themselves in hot water for its disorganisation amid uncertainty over when England‘s Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup will take place.
The round-of-16 match at the Estadio Azteca had initially been scheduled for 6 pm local time (1 am BST). Rumours surfaced online that FIFA were looking to move the game to 7 pm BST due to a risk of weather disruption.
The game has now been confirmed to go ahead as planned with a 6 am kick-off. That’s despite floods and thunderstorms being forecast, which led to discussions over moving the game forward by six hours.
Huge claim over FIFA changing England vs Mexico kick-off
It’s now being reported that weather concerns weren’t the only reason FIFA were preparing to make a change. There is talk in Mexico of a change to the kick-off time due to discussions between British broadcaster BBC and FIFA.
Mexican sports executive Pepe Hanan claims that the schedule change was due to a “negotiation between the BBC and FIFA.” He suggested that television coverage played a role in the potential new kick-off time.
Hanan said that neither the English nor Mexican FA “had anything to do with it” and that they weren’t asked for their opinions. The kick-off time prompted outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow pubs to stay open until 5 am on Monday morning.
The BBC took their time reporting on the potential change during coverage of Egypt’s win over Australia on Friday evening. They have since refuted claims in Mexico about their alleged involvement and said the corporation “was not involved in these discussions.”
For Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, the situation is a massive distraction as they prepare for a daunting trip to the Azteca. While a U-turn hasn’t occurred, it has evidently left the FA looking for answers ahead of a crucial World Cup game.
Marcus Rashford on kick-off uncertainty
Marcus Rashford insisted England weren’t thrown off by the possibility of a kick-off time change and that they remained focused on the game. The Three Lions forward, who started in his nation’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the previous round, explained how it doesn’t affect Tuchel’s camp:
“It doesn’t matter. It’s a game of football at the end of the day. It doesn’t change our outlook on the game and what we’re trying to do.”
The same can’t be said for England fans who are attending the game, as their travel plans may have been thrown into disarray. FIFA didn’t officially confirm a new kick-off time but reports indicate that there had been a real possibility of them doing so.
There have also been concerns about safety ahead of the match after four fans lost their lives following Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the Round of 32. Mass celebrations involving one million fans in Mexico City led to fatalities, and President Claudia Sheinbaum warned supporters about drinking and to avoid packed gathering spots.
Arsenal and Liverpool will both likely be competing for similar players in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and Liverpool are both competing in the Champions League next season, so they have the offer of European football to attract players.
Arsenal might feel they have an advantage over Liverpool in the race to sign some stars due to the fact that they reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League last term.
Both sides are still incredibly attractive as long as they remain in Europe, with the attraction of playing in the Premier League also a huge factor for players.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are in the market for midfield additions this summer, and the Gunners could now be ahead in the race to sign one star.
Arsenal Storm Ahead of Liverpool
According to a report from TeamTalk, Arsenal are prepared to loan midfielder Ayoubb Bouaddi back to the French club in the summer transfer window if they secure his signature.
The Gunners are keen on signing Bouaddi alongside the likes of Liverpool, but they both face plenty of competition.
Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the race as Lille might not be happy with the latter’s stance. Liverpool are unconvinced by the idea of loaning Bouaddi back to Ligue 1.
Bouaddi also has interest from around Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
If a club like Arsenal is willing to sign Bouaddi and send him back on loan for the season, while Liverpool isn’t, it’s obvious that the French club would prefer him to move to the Gunners.
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Liverpool Could Regret Decision
Liverpool could regret the decision not to allow Bouaddi to return to Lille on loan as part of a deal in the summer transfer window.
If that is the only way of securing his signature ahead of other clubs, then the Merseyside outfit should be considering doing so.
Arsenal and other clubs appear happy to remain patient in the race for Bouaddi, who has been described as ‘elite’, which could result in Liverpool missing out on the player.
Either way, it looks set to be a competitive race for Bouaddi’s signature in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs pushing to sign him.
Manchester United’s dream target for the summer transfer window could be available for £77m, with his club seriously considering selling him.
The Red Devils have already missed out on some key targets in the last few weeks, and they won’t want to see that happen again.
Mateus Fernandes made the move to Tottenham despite United showing a strong interest in the Portuguese midfielder, while Elliot Anderson moved to their rivals Manchester City.
United clearly didn’t want to pay the kind of fees that Tottenham and Manchester City were willing to pay, which is a fine strategy as long as you bring in alternatives.
Signing a new midfielder will remain United’s priority, and their dream target could now be available.
Man Utd’s ‘Dream’ Target Available
According to journalist Rodra, Real Madrid are now seriously considering selling Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that the Spanish giants will consider selling him for a fee in the region of £77 million, which could be good news for Manchester United.
Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Tchouameni is United’s ‘dream’ target for the summer transfer window.
It will be interesting to see if this news prompts United to make a move to secure his signature, as they desperately need midfield reinforcements.
Missing out on both Anderson and Fernandes, United need to get a move on when it comes to midfield additions, and Tchouameni could be the ideal signing.
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Man Utd Need to Make a Statement
Manchester United now need to make a statement when it comes to bringing in a new midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Every United fan knows that Anderson and Fernandes were two priority targets for the Red Devils. They now need to ensure they make a statement move in order to get a top midfielder through the door.
Anderson and Fernandes would have both improved United significantly, and they could risk falling behind their rivals if they don’t make a strong midfield signing.
There is plenty of time remaining in the window, but United fans may be getting frustrated with the difficulties they are having at the moment.
FIFA Considered England vs Mexico Kick-Off Time Move Over TV Coverage
Arsenal Lead Liverpool in Race to Sign Midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi
Man Utd’s Dream Target Aurelien Tchouameni Could Be Sold for £77m
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