England manager Thomas Tuchel opted for sleep over watching his next World Cup 2026 opponents as the co-hosts swatted aside Ecuador to advance to the last 16.
Early bedtime for the Three Lions boss ahead of a dramatic, come-from-behind 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 32, Tuchel will now study El Tri before their date with destiny at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.
With a kick-off time at 1am BST on Monday, parents back home will face a dilemma, particular before a school day.
But with Harry Kane, fresh from a double against DR Congo, Tuchel is adamant that kids back home should be allowed a late night, having opted against a late night on Tuesday himself, after a one-hour delay due to adverse weather around Mexico City.
“I was happy to watch the first half and then it wasn’t on, and I slept at 10 o’clock,” Tuchel told reporters after England’s win. “Very unusual for me, but I have somehow a crazy early bedtime during this World Cup and I didn’t see it. I saw the result, of course, and I saw that they didn’t concede, and it will be a tough one.”
Tuchel then sent a message to parents with kids likely to be excited to stay up and watch the Three Lions: “Write an excuse for school.Let them watch football.
“There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. There will be a big, big match on in four days. We need the support of everyone, and especially of the children.”
