Hundreds gather in early hours to cheer on England

Football fans across the South West and the Channel Islands celebrated in the early hours while watching England progress in the World Cup.

The Three Lions’ last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City was scheduled to start at 01:00 BST on Monday (18:00 local time) but kick off was delayed an hour until 02:00 due to heavy rain and lightning.

Despite the unusual early kick off time, fans flocked to pubs across the region to watch the match, which saw Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane play starring roles in a 3-2 England victory.

Those unable to stay up late managed to catch the game first thing, with schoolchildren in Cornwall even allowed to skip lessons to watch the match.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs could stay open until 05:00.

About 300 people watched the game at The Hyde Dendy in Paignton, Devon, despite the game not finishing until gone 04:00.

Xander Narvidge, the pub’s owner, said he had to put on 20 extra members of staff for the game.

Narvidge said there was a “good amount of people, great atmosphere and a good result” but hoped for a “bit more sensible kick off time”.

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In St Austell, Cornwall, about 350 people watched the game at the Brittania Inn.

Landlord Phil Lafferty said it was “an incredible evening and something we have never done before”.

He said: “Japan in 2002 was something else, playing at 06:00, but nothing like this. It was amazing.”

He said about between 20 to 30 people left when the game was delayed but the majority of people “did not want to miss this opportunity, the whole support was incredible”.

He added it was a “a fantastic atmosphere”, stressing how important the extra punters will have been for pubs.

“The trade has been good and of course it buys us a pass to the next round next Saturday, which is a real money spinner with a 10 o’clock in the evening game,” Lafferty said.

“We need it – the industry needs it.”

In Devon, fan Billy Martin said: “I just love football, and had to come tonight.

“I really like my partner, but supporting England is my first love.”

He said he had booked the day off work three weeks ago in preparation.

Charlie Rolfe said he had work at 06:00 and planned to head straight there after the match.

He said: “England’s playing. I have to support my country.”

Martin Bishop, meanwhile, was behind the bar at the Probus Comrades Club in Cornwall.

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, he said: “I’m still on the high but it won’t be long before I’m on the low and tucked up in bed.”

Of the fans who joined him, he added: “I think a lot of them have either got the day off or they’re holding off until about 12:00 and going in for the rest of the day.”

They were not the only ones enjoying a late start on Monday morning.

About 380 children from Cornwall Burraton Community Primary School in Saltash were allowed to miss lessons to watch the game first thing.

Assistant head teacher Chris Avey said the school told parents on Friday they were going to replay the match as though it was live – and asked them to keep the score a secret.

“A lot of the children had no idea how the game was going to go – nor did I – and I’m just delighted how it did go,” Avey said.

Children and teachers packed out the school’s hall, waving their flags and singing Sweet Caroline after the win.

“I think we would have been managing some tears if there was a loss, so we were prepared for that,” Avey added.

“But, thankfully, the positivity, the joy, the vibes, watching it as a community and the enjoyment that they’ve had has been phenomenal.”

Claire Judd, head teacher at England La Houguette School in Guernsey, had also encouraged children to wait until school to watch the match together.

“It’s one of our children’s rights, the right to socialise with friends,” she said.

“I think they’re going to be over the moon and I hope we get some work out of them today.

“That was another reason for doing it: to make sure the children come into school, otherwise they could have stayed up late and been a bit tired.”

Paul Wilson, from Jersey, was lucky enough to watch the game live from Mexico with friend Tony Rogers.

The England fan said it was an “emotional evening” in “an incredible stadium,” with Rogers adding they were made to feel “really welcome”.

Wilson said: “I’ve been to a lot of football games over the years but I’ve got to say this is there. It’s been absolutely tremendous.”

England will face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 22:00 BST, looking to secure a spot in the last four.

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