Rashford calls kickoff change 'not ideal' as England left in dark over FIFA's World Cup decision

Marcus Rashford has admitted England’s sudden kickoff change against Mexico is “not ideal” after FIFA moved the World Cup Round of 16 fixture forward several hours, leaving Football Association bosses blindsided by the decision. The match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, originally scheduled for 1am GMT, was brought forward to 7pm amid concerns over flooding, thunderstorms, and adverse weather conditions.

Reports of the change emerged on Friday evening, with the FA said to have been kept in the dark over FIFA’s plans. The Azteca sits 2,200 metres above sea level, and altitude had already been a significant talking point in England’s preparations before the scheduling disruption added another layer of uncertainty.

Rashford, speaking from the England camp, played down the disruption while acknowledging its inconvenience. “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,” he said. “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.”

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has featured as an impact substitute in all four of England’s matches under Thomas Tuchel, echoed that defiance. Rogers has largely played deputy to Jude Bellingham but framed the scheduling change as simply another problem to solve. “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,” he said.

The weather protocols underpinning the decision are drawn from guidelines set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rather than FIFA directly. Under those rules, matches must be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, with players required to leave the pitch and supporters advised to seek shelter. Because the Azteca does not have a retractable roof, spectators in the open sections of the ground would be exposed to the elements. Play can only resume once 30 uninterrupted minutes pass without a further lightning strike within that radius.

England’s preparations have also been complicated by the atmosphere surrounding the co-hosts. Mexico were the subject of a complaint from Ecuador ahead of their Round of 32 tie, after supporters reportedly took to the streets overnight to disrupt the opposition’s sleep. Rogers acknowledged the hostility but insisted England were ready to face it head-on.