England and Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has described the last-minute kick-off change against Mexico as just another challenge for the Three Lions to overcome. The Football Association (FA) officials were not informed directly about FIFA's decision to move the match from 1am GMT on Monday to 7pm on Sunday, due to concerns over flooding, thunderstorms, and adverse weather at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
FA Learns of Change Through Media
Reports emerged on Friday evening that tournament organisers had planned to bring the kick-off forward by several hours. Mirror Football understands that the FA only learned of these plans through media reports, leaving them in the dark about the decision.
Responding to the news, Rogers said: "We'll take it how it is. Whatever it is, whatever the task is in front of us, whatever problem we face, or different things that might be a bit difficult, we're just going to attack it full front and be ready as a whole team and be together and talk through what can help us, what can be difficult, and just try and overcome it."
Rashford Labels Change 'Not Ideal'
Marcus Rashford also commented on the Round of 16 kick-off change against Mexico, calling it 'not ideal'. Rashford stated: "I think for us it's the same how we prepare for the game. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it's one of our strengths as a group. Everyone, including the players and staff... we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it's not ideal but also it doesn't really matter."
Lightning Protocols and Stadium Risks
The procedures regarding electrical storms are based on guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), not tournament organisers FIFA. Under these protocols, matches must be halted and suspended if a lightning discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the ground. Players and staff must leave the field, and fans are urged to seek cover. Since the Azteca Stadium does not have a retractable roof, spectators could be at risk.
For play to resume, no additional lightning strikes must be detected within that eight-mile radius for a full 30 minutes. After that, if there are no further interruptions, supporters may return to their seats, and players will have a 15-minute warm-up before the restart.
Domino Effect on Brazil vs Norway Match
The decision to change England's kick-off time is also understood to affect the other Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Norway. Erling Haaland and Gabriel's reunion could be pushed back by an hour due to extreme heat in New York. The National Weather Service has predicted disruption throughout the Fourth of July weekend, with Philadelphia and Washington DC expected to reach 104F (40C) and 103F, respectively.
