Tuchel wants young England fans to stay up for 1am World Cup clash - but should they?

Figure caption, 'Write an excuse for school' - Tuchel "Write an excuse for school and let them watch." That was England coach Thomas Tuchel's advice for parents on whether children should be allowed to stay up to support England in their early morning World Cup match against Mexico on Monday. The time difference means the round of 16 clash against the co-hosts in Mexico City will not kick off until 01:00 BST - and would not finish until closer to 04:00 should it go to penalties. Speaking to the media after the Three Lions' victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, a smiling Tuchel said: "There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch." But some parents and teachers are concerned about the knock-on impact. In the past, some schools have suspended lessons to allow children to watch games in the knockout stages of tournaments - but the awkward timing of the Mexico match poses some tricky logistical questions. Let children stay up and risk a wasted school day on Monday - or force young fans to miss what could be a vital victory on the way to World Cup glory? One mum, from Epping in Essex, said of the prospect of her two young children staying up: "They couldn't even if they wanted to. "They struggled to make it to the 21:00 kick off for the Ghana match." Another parent said they would allow the kids to watch the match live, but expected them to be ready for school the next morning. They wrote on X: "Mine will be watching and still going into the school the next day. "What's the big deal? The recent thunderstorms woke then up at 2am and kept them awake for hours and they were fine the next day going to school." A third parent praised Tuchel's comments and called for every pupil to be given Monday off of school. Figure caption, Kane scores late winner as England overcome DR Congo to reach last 16 One headteacher has said his school will be showing a replay of the match at 07:00 on Monday so pupils can enjoy it together and still get a good night's sleep. Steve Heal, headteacher of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, said: "I've asked parents not to tell their children the result before they arrive at school because we want everyone to experience the ups and downs together. "School really matters and attendance is so important, but we also know just how significant these international sporting events are for children." Heal, who thinks England will win on penalties, said staff would prepare enough seats and food for all 420 students - but "realistically" only expects half to turn up. He added: "For many of these children, this is a once-in-a-childhood opportunity to experience a World Cup match with their friends and classmates. "It's wonderful to watch these occasions with your family, but sharing it as a whole school community makes it really special. We'll either celebrate together or cry together." Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, called on schools in his area to be "flexible" and allow children to enjoy a "special moment" for the country. He said: "I'm asking parents and carers to consider suspending bedtime, just this once, for children and young people who want to stay up and cheer on the Three Lions. "This is about letting children be part of a special national moment." Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mexico have only lost twice in competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca - against Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013 - since they began playing matches there in 1966 For its part, the government has said it is up to parents to decide when their children go to bed, but stressed the importance of attending school on Monday morning. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "Parents will make their own decisions... We want everyone to enjoy the game, but children should be in school on Monday." The head of the National Education Union has issued a stronger defence of the England boss' comments. Speaking to LBC Radio, National Education Union secretary Daniel Kebede said the education secretary should allow for a "flexible start" on Monday morning. However, skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith is far less keen on Tuchel's suggestion. She said: "I don't want to be a killjoy here, but I'll tell you what the biggest killjoy is – young people who then don't have the learning to be able to go on and do what they need to do in life. "I'll be having a little disco nap in the afternoon and I'll be celebrating our victory the next morning when I go into work, looking obviously as fresh as a daisy." Away from schools, Sir Keir Starmer has announced pubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 05:00 on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions' World Cup clash. If you want to watch the England match but aren't keen on staying up until 0300 on Monday morning, there are a couple things you might want to do. Firstly, the game will be airing live on BBC One and iPlayer, and highlights

Tuchel wants young England fans to stay up for 1am World Cup clash - but should they?

Key takeaways

Also covered by

Tuchel wants young England fans to stay up for 1am World Cup clash - but should they?

Key takeaways

Also covered by

More in top