Josh Widdicombe has revealed he’s planning to turn his sofa into a makeshift bed and take a power nap for two hours, as the nation plans to pull the ultimate all-nighter for England’s blockbuster World Cup clash with Mexico.
The Three Lions are set to kick off at 1am UK time, with many fans back in England facing the dilemma of whether to stay up and watch the match live, despite fears it could be delayed by thunderstorms in Mexico City.
In a video on Instagram, Josh shared that he’d put together a plan that England manager Thomas Tuchel would be proud of, with plans to stay awake even if the match is hit by a weather delay.
Pubs across England are set to stay open until 5am for the match, which will take place in Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium, while many schools have said students will be allowed to come in later than usual if they are staying up to watch the match.
Josh said: ‘Okay, this is my plan for England vs Mexico, I’m going to stay up to my usual bedtime, 10pm, halftime of Brazil vs Norway.
‘Gonna make a bed on my sofa, set me alarm for five to one, wake up. If the weather says the game goes ahead I watch it.
Josh Widdicombe has revealed he’s planning to turn his sofa into a makeshift bed, as the nation plans to pull the ultimate all-nighter for England’s World Cup clash with Mexico
‘If it’s too rainy, I just turn over, leave the TV on, and I’ll just wait naturally for kick off. Surely, this is the greatest plan ever. Everyone with me?’
The build-up to England’s Round of 16 clash with Mexico was hit by confusion around its kick-off time on Friday, when FIFA considered bringing the match forward by six hours to try and avoid predicted thunderstorms delaying play.
It was proposed that the game would kick off at midday local time, or 7pm UK time.
Official contact was made with both the FA and the Mexican Football Association on Friday, both of whom are believed to have reacted negatively to the proposals.
The earlier kick-off time would have had a significant impact on players’ preparations for the game, which are typically organised down to the most minute detail.
The threat of adverse weather – which was initially thought to be the main factor in the talks – was also a consideration, with thunderstorms forecast for kick-off, which is 6pm local time, although they are currently due to pass by 8pm. Flash flooding, in particular, was a concern.
At one point on Friday evening, it seemed likely the game would be played at the rescheduled time, forcing Brazil’s game with Norway in New Jersey to be pushed back by half an hour to 4.30pm to avoid any clashes.
In the end, FIFA’s attempt to bring England’s kick-off forward was halted by a series of barriers – including a reluctance from officials in New York and New Jersey to shift their own fixture.
The Three Lions are set to kick off at 1am UK time, with many fans back in England facing the dilemma of whether to stay up into the early hours to watch the match live
The Daily Mail understands a decision to move the game was ‘all but done’ according to those with knowledge of the situation.
The proposals – which the FA was stunned to learn of via Mexican media – were met with an angry response from both England and Mexico, whose coach publicly lambasted the prospect.
Officials in Mexico City are now bracing themselves for what may be an incredibly challenging day, with more than a million people expected on the streets.
England will face a tough test against Mexico at the Azteca, with the co-hosts boasting a formidable record at the stadium.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted his side are at a disadvantage due to having little time to prepare for the altitude in Mexico City.
The match could yet face delays due to thunderstorms being forecast, which could lead to delays due to rules dictating a match be suspended if lightning strikes anywhere within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Victory would take the Three Lions through to a quarter-final against either Brazil or Norway.
England have played six times at the Azteca, twice against Mexico, and the results were a draw in 1969 and a loss in 1985.
Mexico is guaranteed to have a fanatical backing while England’s support will be limited to just 4,000.
