England v Mexico World Cup game kickoff time unchanged – FIFA

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England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico will kick off at its originally scheduled time on Sunday following discussions over possibly bringing the start of the game forward due to storms, a source close to the arrangements said Friday.

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Reports in Britain and Mexico said earlier Friday that FIFA was planning to move the kick-off at the Estadio Azteca from 6:00 pm local time to midday due to concerns over forecast storms and flooding in Mexico City on Sunday.

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However, a source with knowledge of the FIFA discussions said on Friday that the game would start at its original time, emphasising that “no decision was ever made to reschedule KO time.”

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When asked about the potential change in kick-off, England forward Marcus Rashford said at training on Friday it would not be “ideal” but that players would take it in their stride.

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“How we prepare for the game, it has to remain the same. We have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything,” Rashford said.

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“I think it’s one-in-one strength of the group. Everyone is really good, players and staff,” he added.

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“We’re ready for whatever challenges (are thrown at us. Obviously, it’s not ideal, but also it doesn’t mean anything.”

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AFP

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