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Harry Kane's fresh plea to England fans after kick-off time chaos as pubs scramble

Star England captain Harry Kane has asked fans to 'celebrate as the sun's rising' as he shrugged off the timing chaos that has defined the run-up to the match against Mexico

[Harry Kane]

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Kane has sent a rousing message to England fans ahead of the match against Mexico(Image: World Cup 2026 News Pool (WCNP))

The England team shrugged off the fury over the kick-off time chaos with captain Harry Kane telling fans: I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun's rising at 5, 6am.

He was speaking as pub owners in England and supporters expressed their anger at the debacle over when the match will start. It caused havoc across the drinks industry with pubs hastily changing plans and staffing rotas only to be forced to change them back again.

Adam Curtis, landlord of The Cock Inn, Bishops Stortford, Herts criticised FIFA. He said: What a joke - we make all these plans for a 1am kick off - which takes a lot of organisation then its changed to 7pm so we get staffing organised for that.

Then they change it back again. Theres no thought at all given to the impact their decision making has. Over 500,000 fans are due to watch the game in 6,000 of England's pubs that are remaining open specially for the game. But over Sunday 17 million pints are due to be drank in the 30,000 pubs across the country - giving a huge boost to the industry.

[Harry Kane #9 of England applauds fans after the team's 2-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR]

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England legend Kane had a rousing message for fans(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

Superfan Gary Taylor said: Its disgraceful to change the time so late in the day and then change it back again. Of course players and fans safety is paramount but this just wasnt thought through.

Dad-of-seven Owen Pickering who has spent 20,000 on his World Cup trip hit out at the 'chaos. He has followed the Three Lions home and abroad for years but his plans were thrown into chaos when the kick off time was moved forward. Owen of Crawley, West Sussex, said: "FIFA is rubbish; it's awful.

"They have no thought about anyone travelling to the game. Does it matter to them if we turn up? I was worried because we would not have made the match."

[England fan wearing England flag face paint]

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Fans have been left furious about last second game time changes(Image: World Cup 2026 News Pool (WCNP))

We are flying to Orlando and then onto Tampa to fly to Mexico City on Sunday. We do not land until 11 am and it takes 45 minutes to an hour to get to the ground. So with matchday traffic we would have missed it and I would have been heartbroken really. Even the Mexican manager Javier Aguirre slammed the changes calling it a kick in the stomach.

Some Texas based English fans changed their flights when the kick off was changed to 7pm and then had to change them back after Fifas U-turn.

The England team arrived at their Mexico City hotel HQ last night. They had extraordinary security with hundreds of police in riot gear throwing a ring of steel around their hotel. As Captain Kane and his team-mates walked into their hotel they were greeted with passionate chants of Mexico, Mexico, Mexico.

[England arrive in Mexico City]

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Englanf fans arrived in Mexico to a massive police presence(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

When asked whether England want to make it a night to remember, Kane said: Absolutely! Obviously good news that the pubs are staying open for the fans.

We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home. So I'm hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through, and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that. Obviously it's very late and we all appreciate the support.

"That's what sometimes makes the World Cup unique, is these different timings and different memories that you create. I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun's rising at 5, 6am.

[Azteca stadium ahead of the world cup match between Mexico and Ecuador]

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England will play Mexico at the Azteca stadium(Image: Ian Robles/Eyepix Group/Shutterstock)

There could still be delays to the game with thunderstorms forecast in and around the Azteca stadium. Gary and his girlfriend Jo Lewis, 44, will be at the game. They were caught up in terrifying scenes inside the fanzone in Mexico City at the opening ceremony. Now they are back and hoping for a safer time and an England victory.

Gary, 64, an estate agent from Harold Wood, Essex, said: "England v Mexico in the Azteca in Mexico City. It doesnt get much better than that does it?

I can remember as a kid the 1970 World Cup. Those great players like Pele and Jairzinho winning the World Cup at the Azteca. Now England are playing at the same stadium. Its a dream come true. We had a frightening experience last month but Im sure it will be much better this time.

[Edson Arantes Do Nascimento Pele of Brazil celebrates the victory after winnings the 1970 World Cup in Mexico match between Brazil and Italy at Estadio Azteca]

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Fans hope England players can follow in the footsteps of previous Azteca victors like legend Pele(Image: Getty Images)

When England arrived at the hotel there were over 300 police officers on duty - many with riot shields. Darkness had fallen and as they moved into position they banged their shields on the ground. But it didnt seem to affect the Three Lions stars as they got off the bus after flying in from Kansas City to Mexico. They were welcomed by a local band and several of the players took the time to acknowledge the musicians. While there were boos they were also welcomed by a handful of England supporters.

One was wearing a red replica Michael Owen shirt from the 1998 finals in France. There was light rain at times and the temperatures were cool - which England will hope will carry on over the weekend.

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