Government to decide on Bank Holiday as Thomas Tuchel asks for support from Mexico
England will face Mexico in a big Last 16 match at 1am on Monday morning UK time. Thomas Tuchel has encouraged everyone to lose some sleep and “let the kids watch,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to ideas about a bank holiday.
England barely got past DR Congo in the Round of 32, thanks to a brilliant goal by Harry Kane after falling behind early. The win wasn’t super convincing for England’s hopes, but the Three Lions now face Mexico, where they’ll have to play their best to beat a tough opponent and reach the last eight.
With a hard match ahead in Mexico’s home turf, England manager Thomas Tuchel has called on the whole nation to support the team — even the youngest fans should be allowed to stay up, even though it’s a school night.
After the win, Tuchel said everyone’s support will be needed in the knockout stages. He told parents to let their kids watch, saying there are plenty of school days but only a few chances to see England play in the World Cup.
“Write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” Tuchel said. “They’ve got lots of school, but the World Cup comes only every four years. Let them watch. We need everyone’s support, especially the kids.”
But the UK government isn’t planning a day off. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who posted “It might actually be coming home” on social media last night, said there’s no plan for a public holiday this Monday. Kids should go to school, but parents can decide if their children stay up to watch.
A spokesperson said some kids might be “bleary-eyed,” but as long as they’re in school, that’s fine. Starmer also advised parents to make sure kids get naps Sunday if they plan to stay up late.
Starmer has usually been against giving bank holidays for football wins, even refusing one after the Lionesses’ big Euro 2025 win. Whether that will change if England reach the World Cup final on July 17 is still up in the air. There’s a long way to go until then!