Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected a proposal from England manager Thomas Tuchel to grant children a day off school following the Three Lions’ 1am World Cup match against Mexico. The decision, announced on Thursday, prioritises classroom attendance over the late-night sporting event, which is scheduled to kick off at 1am British Summer Time.
Tuchel’s Proposal and Starmer’s Response
Tuchel had suggested that allowing students a day off would enable families to watch the match together without compromising sleep and school performance. However, Starmer firmly opposed the idea, stating that “England’s future depends on education, not football.” The Prime Minister emphasised that while he supports the national team, disrupting school schedules for a single match sets a problematic precedent.
According to a Downing Street spokesperson, “The Prime Minister believes that children should be in school, learning, and that a one-off day off for a football match is not justified. He is confident that families can enjoy the game responsibly without missing school.”
Details of the Match and Public Reaction
The England vs. Mexico World Cup fixture is set for a 1am kick-off in the UK, a time slot that has frustrated fans and officials alike. The match, part of the group stage, will be broadcast live on free-to-air television. Tuchel argued that the late hour would lead to sleep deprivation for children and parents, potentially affecting school attendance and productivity the next day.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some parents’ groups supported Tuchel’s proposal, citing the cultural significance of the World Cup. However, education unions and many parents opposed the idea, arguing that it undermines the importance of regular school attendance. A recent survey by the National Education Union found that 68% of teachers opposed a school holiday for the match.
Starmer’s decision aligns with his government’s focus on improving school attendance rates, which have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. Official figures show that persistent absence in English schools stood at 22.3% in the 2024-25 academic year, down from a peak of 24.1% but still above the 2018-19 level of 10.9%.
Impact on Families and Future Matches
Families planning to stay up for the match will now have to manage their own schedules. The government has encouraged employers to show flexibility for workers with early shifts, but no formal measures have been announced. Starmer’s veto also sets a precedent for future late-night England matches, should they occur in upcoming tournaments.
Tuchel, who took over as England manager in 2025, expressed disappointment but accepted the decision. “We respect the Prime Minister’s judgment. Our focus remains on preparing the team to win for the nation,” he said in a statement.
The match against Mexico is critical for England’s progression in the tournament. England currently sits second in Group D after a 2-0 win over Senegal and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. A victory against Mexico would secure top spot and a favourable knockout round draw.
