England v Mexico World Cup game kickoff time unchanged - FIFA

England's World Cup knockout match against Mexico is set to kick off at its scheduled time on Sunday, despite earlier reports suggesting a potential change. Discussions had reportedly considered moving the start of the game forward due to concerns over forecast storms and flooding in Mexico City.

Reports circulating earlier on Friday indicated that FIFA was contemplating shifting the match at the Estadio Azteca from its 6:00 PM local time slot to midday. This potential alteration was reportedly driven by weather forecasts predicting severe storms and potential flooding in the capital on Sunday.

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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.

However, a source close to the arrangements clarified that no decision was ever made to reschedule the kickoff. The source emphasized that the game would proceed as originally planned, stating, "no decision was ever made to reschedule KO time."

England forward Marcus Rashford addressed the possibility of a schedule change during training on Friday. He acknowledged that while a shift might not be "ideal," the team is accustomed to adapting. "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 commented. He added, "I think it’s one-in-one strength of the group. Everyone is really good, players and staff. 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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I think it’s one-in-one strength of the group. Everyone is really good, players and staff. We’re ready for whatever challenges (are thrown at us. Obviously, it’s not ideal, but also it doesn’t mean anything.