Thomas Tuchel urges parents to let kids watch next England World Cup game at 1am

England will play Mexico in their World Cup last-16 game at 1am on Monday morning (AFP via Getty)

Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to allow their children to watch England’s next World Cup game against Mexico at 1am BST on Monday morning.

England were forced to come from behind on Wednesday as they went a goal down to DR Congo in their round-of-32 tie before a second-half double from Harry Kane sealed a 2-1 win.

The Three Lions now face a tricky last-16 tie against World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Meanwhile, parents in England face a dilemma as their children face the prospect of staying up until 4am on Monday morning if the game goes to extra time and penalties.

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But Tuchel believes children in England deserve special dispensation to watch England’s game against Mexico on a school night, given that a World Cup is every four years.

‘Let them watch football,’ Tuchel said after England’s comeback win against DR Congo.

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‘There’s so much school to go to but the World Cup is ⁠every ​four years. There will be a big, ​big match on in four days. We need the support of everyone, ​and especially of the children.’

Tuchel also believes his England players will be at a significant disadvantage due to the game being played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is around 7,200ft above sea level.

The high altitude means the air is thinner and less oxygen is taken into the bloodstream, which is likely to create difficulties for England’s players.

Mexico are yet to concede a goal at the World Cup (AFP via Getty)

Mexico, who are yet to concede a goal at the World Cup, have played all four of their matches at high altitude, with three games at the Azteca Stadium and the other in Guadalajara, which is around 5,000ft above sea level.

‘The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it,’ said Tuchel.

‘It just takes too much time. We have only three days in between these matches. It’s physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude.

‘That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that.

‘This is just something with which we will have to deal. And I think we showed the attitude that we are ready for that.’

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