England players celebrate after winning the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, on Sunday.Eduardo Verdugo/The Associated Press
High drama in big soccer games usually ends in disappointment for England’s national team and their long-suffering fans. But somehow England overcame a mountain of obstacles on Sunday and defeated co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City, sending English fans into an early morning frenzy.
Despite the high altitude, a hostile crowd in Azteca Stadium and a red card early in the second half, England pulled off a 3-2 victory that was watched by millions of fans back home in the wee hours of Monday morning.
Mexico exits World Cup after first loss of the tournament, falling to England
The kickoff was delayed by an hour because of severe weather and it finally started at 2 a.m. England time. Pubs were allowed to stay open until 5 a.m., and those that did were packed.
Thea Barratt, the manager of Cramptons Sports Bar in Broadstairs, Kent, said nearly 400 people jammed into the pub for the game and there was a lineup around the block.
“We reached our capacity at 9 p.m. and obviously kickoff was eventually 2 a.m.,” said Ms. Barratt, who was still at work Monday afternoon. “It was amazing. Just a great time. I haven’t been to bed yet. I started at 10 a.m. yesterday morning, and I’m still working now.”
She was too busy to watch all of the game, but she has little doubt now that England could win it all. “I’m feeling good. I wasn’t, I won’t lie. But I said all along if we can beat Mexico ... then I think we’ve got a good chance of making it to the final. So I’m feeling good now,” she said.
England fans cheer during a watch party at Boxpark Croydon in London, England.Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images
In London, officials temporarily renamed Bellingham train station in the southeast of the city Jude Bellingham Station in honour of the midfielder who had two goals on Sunday. Hundreds of fans left pubs chanting “football’s coming home” and singing Wonderwall by Oasis, which has become the team’s unofficial anthem.
Monday was a school day for most children across England and parents had been struggling over whether to allow their kids to stay up for the game. Many schools opted to show students a replay Monday morning.
Steve Heal, the principal of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School outside Bath, had asked parents not to tell their kids the result so that everyone could watch the game together. He didn’t watch it either and steered clear of all media.
“I went to bed very early, switched off all my notifications, drove here trying not to look at anybody in the streets that I might pass and so far, I’ve successfully managed to know nothing,” he told BBC before watching with students.
About 100 kids packed into a classroom at the St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School near Sheffield to watch a replay. “The children look absolutely amazing and the classrooms are abuzz with excitement and cheers,” the school said on its Facebook page.
In a post-match interview, Bellingham urged parents and workers to take Monday off.
England's Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal.Natacha Pisarenko/The Associated Press
“Text your bosses and tell them you’re not coming in, simple as that,” he said. “Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work. Enjoy your day, have the day off if you can. These nights don’t come often.”
That wasn’t the message of Olivia Bailey, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Early Education. “Of course, children can stay up and watch it, but get themselves into school,” she told Sky News on Monday. “You might feel a bit tired, but it’s important you’re there.”
Many companies cut employees some slack and let them come in late or work from home. The Trades Union Congress, an umbrella group for labour unions, called for “common sense and understanding” from employers.
“It won’t be possible for everyone, but we do know that where employers make that extra effort to show flexibility to their employees, people really appreciate it,” said Kate Bell, the assistant general secretary.
England fans cheer during the match against Mexico at The Lord Stamford in Manchester, England.Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
In a post on X, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the game “one of the greatest England matches I’ve ever seen.”
Even U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the match, praising England forward Harry Kane, who scored a penalty on Sunday and has six goals in the tournament so far. Trump wrote: ”Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”
Trump has come under criticism for intervening with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
Belgian federation to challenge FIFA’s decision to let Folarin Balogun play in round of 16 match
Balogun was sent off during the knockout game against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week and should have been suspended for the last round of 16 match versus Belgium on Monday. Instead, after Trump’s intervention, soccer’s world governing body has not enforced the sanction, clearing the way for him to play. The decision has infuriated Belgian soccer officials as well as UEFA, the European governing body for soccer.
Starmer’s office was asked if he would make a similar intervention to reverse the red card issued to England’s Jarell Quansah during Sunday’s game. The Prime Minister’s spokesman said it was up to soccer officials to decide.
England face Norway on Saturday in the quarter-finals. That game will be shown at the more reasonable hour of 10 p.m. in England.
Canada's historic World Cup run is over. Ask us your questions
On Wednesday, July 8 at 1 p.m. ET, sports writers Cathal Kelly, Paul Attfield, Neil Davidson and David Ebner will be live answering your questions about the World Cup, Canada’s showing and where the team goes from here. Submit your questions in the box below or e-mail us at audience@globeandmail.com.