Thomas Tuchel urges parents to keep kids up for England clash with Mexico
England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to keep their children awake to watch the FIFA 16 World Cup thriller against Mexico, insisting the tournament is a rare opportunity worth sacrificing a few hours of sleep.
England have secured their place in the round of 16 after Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to inspire a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo. They now face tournament co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 1am BST on Monday.
The late start presents a dilemma for families in England as children wait for school the following morning. However, Tuchel had a simple message for his parents.
“Let them watch football,” he said after England’s victory.
“There are so many schools to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. There’s a big, big game in four days. We need everyone’s support, especially the kids.”
TUCHEL FAILED IN MEXICO’S WIN OVER ECUADOR
Ironically, Tuchel did not watch as England’s other opponents secured their place in the knockout stages. Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to inclement weather around Mexico City, prompting the England manager to stick to his unusually early World Cup routine.
“I was happy to watch the first half and then it was off and I slept at 10 o’clock,” Tuchel said.
“Very unusual for me, but somehow during this World Cup I have a crazy early bedtime and I didn’t see it. I saw the result of course and I saw that they didn’t accept and it will be difficult.
England’s coaching staff have since begun to analyze Mexico ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest ties of the tournament.
PROUD OF ENGLAND’S FIGHTING SPIRIT
Tuchel was particularly pleased with the way England responded after falling behind against DR Congo as Kane scored in the 75th and 86th minutes to complete the turnaround.
“Things remained difficult, but this team did not accept defeat as a result today,” Tuchel said.
“They just didn’t accept it and that makes me very proud because they did what was necessary.
“It was tough and they showed up and we deserved to win, even though it was late.
England have often been criticized for crumbling under pressure at major tournaments, but Tuchel believes this team has shown a resilience that previous generations lacked.
“I didn’t see any of that today and it would have been so easy to see,” he said.
“It would have been so easy to give up and it would have been so easy to accept the story. I didn’t see any of that, and that’s a very, very good sign.”
THE HARDEST TEST AWAITS IN AZTECA
England’s reward is a daunting trip to Mexico City to face a Mexico side who have won all four of their World Cup games without conceding a goal.
The Three Lions will also have little time to adjust to the high altitude at the Azteca Stadium, a challenge Tuchel has already admitted he cannot fully prepare for.
Despite the obstacles, the England manager believes his team are mentally prepared for the challenge.
“Maybe there will be more and more obstacles, but we are ready for it,” Tuchel said.
“We need it. Maybe now we have the ideal platform to really believe we’re ready for it.”
Kane’s late brace also took his tally to five goals at the tournament, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
Tuchel believes the world’s elite strikers share one defining quality.
“They’re all sharks,” he said. “If they smell blood, they will come and score.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
Jul 02, 2026 06:47 IST