Keir Starmer says he wants children back at school on Monday morning despite the 1am to 3am England World Cup match.
There will be no Bank Holiday and Number 10 is recommending supporters take a “disco nap” on Sunday to get ready.
Number 10 says: “It is up to parents to make their own decisions. We want everyone to enjoy the game but children should be at school on Monday.”
The spokesman added: “The Education minister Jacqui Smith put it very well she is having a disco nap on Sunday and then back at work next day…. the Prime Minister is facing the same dilemma as everyone else on whether to stay up.”
If the game is settled in normal time, expect a prompt 3am finish.
If we go to extra time, you’re looking at a 345am finish.
If it reaches the dreaded penalty kicks, expect the game to go until at least 4am, possibly 415.
Meanwhile The prime minister is understood to be looking at options to extend a relaxation of pub licences, which was not due to apply for the 1am kick-off
Earlier the Business minister Kate Dearden told MPs that while pub licensing hours have been extended for the World Cup until 1 am “unfortunately that does not apply” to the England-Mexico game which starts at 1am, under questioning from MPs concerned that hospitality industry will miss out on much-needed windfall without a blanket extension to opening hours.
