England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to let their children stay up and watch the Three Lions' round-of-16 World Cup clash against Mexico — even if that means writing a note for school the next morning.

The match, to be played in Mexico City, is scheduled to kick off at 01:00 BST on Monday. Should the tie go to extra time and penalties, it could stretch to nearly 04:00 — a prospect that has divided parents and sparked debate across schools in England.

Speaking after England's victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, a relaxed Tuchel told reporters: "There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch."

Parents split on the big question

Reactions from parents have ranged from firm refusal to wholehearted support. A mother from Epping, in Essex, said her two young children were unlikely to make it through the night, noting they had struggled to stay awake for the 21:00 kick-off during England's earlier group game against Ghana.

Another parent said their children would watch the match live but would still be expected at school by morning. Writing on X, they pointed out that recent overnight thunderstorms had kept the children awake until 02:00 with no ill effect the following day.

A third parent went further, calling for all pupils to receive the Monday off school entirely.

Schools find creative solutions

At least one headteacher has found a middle ground. Steve Heal, headteacher of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, announced that the school will screen a replay of the match at 07:00 on Monday morning — asking parents not to reveal the result to their children beforehand so pupils can experience the full drama together.

"For many of these children, this is a once-in-a-childhood opportunity to experience a World Cup match with their friends and classmates," Heal said. He added that staff would prepare food and seating for all 420 students, though he realistically expects around half to attend.

Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, called on local schools to be flexible and allow children to be part of what he described as "a special national moment."

Government and unions weigh in

The government stopped short of endorsing a late bedtime, with a Downing Street spokesperson stressing that children should be in school on Monday while acknowledging parents would make their own decisions.

National Education Union secretary Daniel Kebede went further, calling on the education secretary to permit a flexible start to the school day on Monday morning. Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, however, pushed back on Tuchel's suggestion, warning that disrupting young people's sleep and learning was no trivial matter — though she did admit she would be taking a nap ahead of watching the game herself.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer separately announced that pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 05:00 on Monday to allow adult fans to follow the Three Lions' World Cup campaign.

How to watch the game spoiler-free

For those who prefer their sleep, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, with highlights available shortly after the final whistle. The iPlayer app's highlights page is spoiler-free, but anyone hoping to avoid knowing the result before watching should steer clear of social media, news apps, group chats, and newspapers on Monday morning.