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

Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)

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):

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):

England FA Reportedly Stunned After Being ‘Left in the Dark’ About Changes

England manager Thomas Tuchel via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

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.

Canada boss Jesse Marsch has firmly ruled out the possibility of becoming manager of the United States national team in the future.

The former Leeds United boss has guided Canada to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in their history. He oversaw a 1-0 win over South Africa to book his side a meeting with Morocco on Saturday (July 4th).

Marsch took over the Canucks back in May 2024 and has fully immersed himself in the role. So much so that some of his man-management tactics, including an impassioned post-match speech to his players, have irked American fans.

“Never” – Jesse Marsch on USA job

Lisi Niesner via Reuters

The USA nearly appointed Marsch back in April 2023, and he turned down a lucrative contract offer from Leicester City believing he had the job in the bag. He waited for another opportunity to enter international management, and that came with Canada almost a year later.

Marsch has since earned plaudits for transforming Canadian football, and he has become the first coach to lead them to two World Cup victories. There are some who feel the Wisconsin-born tactician should be a contender for the USMNT managerial role further down the line.

Asked by TIME whether he’d ever consider taking charge of his country of birth, he responded:

Marsch signed a new four-year contract extension in May, keeping him tied to the Canada national team until June 2030. The USMNT, meanwhile, landed Mauricio Pochettino as their manager in September 2024, and the former Tottenham Hotspur boss has been equally impressive while leading the Stars and Stripes.

The Argentine has taken the co-hosts to the Round of 16, where they face Belgium next Tuesday (July 7th). SportsMole reports that he has been offered a new four-year deal which would run until the same date Marsch’s new deal with the Canadians expires.

Why USA turned Jesse Marsch down

Matthew Childs via Reuters

Marsch admitted he was “devastated and angry” after the USMNT made a U-turn over appointing him as Gregg Berhalter’s successor three years ago. The Americans turned back to Berhalter who lasted just one year into a second reign before being sacked after his nation crashed out of Copa America in the group stages.

The USA conducted an independent investigation into Berhalter’s off-field behaviour at the time. They lined Marsch up as his replacement but the American federation trusted in the bond built between players and Berhalter.

Marsch explained to GIVEMESPORT at the time:

Marsch is becoming a hero in Canada amid a stellar World Cup campaign, and a win over Morocco would be the stuff of dreams for the Great White North. They head into that game as underdogs, up against Africa’s strongest nation, who made the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are now confident that they can sign Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi this summer.

Tottenham have already agreed six new signings this summer, with the latest additions of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali setting the club back a huge £185m outlay.

Spurs’ ambition is showing no signs of slowing down yet, and while their defensive and midfield options are looking stronger ahead of next season, we could see new faces arrive to boost the attack too.

The north Londoners remain in talks with Manchester City over a deal for left-winger Savinho, following their failed attempt to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 12 months ago.

However, Tottenham are also considering other options for that flank too, with links to a second raid on West Ham United for Crysencio Summerville, while they have been offered the chance to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan by Jorge Mendes during the Fernandes transfer talks.

Spurs are also considering signing a new striker with doubts over the future of Richarlison, who has long been linked with a move away from the north London outfit.

Tottenham are seemingly ready to make their move to try and bring Junior Kroupi to the capital from the south coast.

Tottenham Believe They Can Sign Junior Kroupi

via Reuters

Tottenham are one of many top Premier League clubs linked with a move for Junior Kroupi this summer, following an outstanding and record-breaking debut campaign in the English top flight for the Frenchman.

The 20-year-old scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League games for the Cherries as they qualified for the Europa League, and the club are determined to keep hold of him for next season for their first ever European campaign.

However, according to a top Tottenham source on X, Spurs officials are confident that they can complete a deal for the youngster this summer.

The same source claims that Spurs have already scheduled talks with the Frenchman’s representatives soon, although Bournemouth would want at least £90m to sell him in this window.

Kroupi Junior is also said to be open to a move to Spurs, following previous talks between the parties in March.

Tottenham Also Want ‘One of the Best Players in the World’

Marty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

Tottenham’s level of ambition this summer is showing no signs of slowing down, and now they are also targeting a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, believing he can cover both the left wing and centre-forward positions.

The England international has been described as ‘one of the best players in the world’ on his day by Three Lions teammate Anthony Gordon, and it is hard to disagree when we see what he has done over the years for the Red Devils and then on loan at Barcelona last season.

The 30-year-old is said to prefer a permanent move abroad following his spell with Barca, although it appears as though Spurs are positioning themselves right at the front of the queue should he end up remaining in England.