England fans book Mexico flights despite needing to beat DR Congo to get there

By Josh Payne, Press Association Chief Reporter in Atlanta, Georgia, and Rosie Shead, Press Association

England fans have gambled on booking flights and hotels for a potential World Cup tie in Mexico City despite England still needing to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo to get there.

England are due to play the African nation in their round of 32 clash in Atlanta on Wednesday, with many supporters confident of England’s chances.

A win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium would send England into a last-16 tie on Sunday against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, one of world football’s most famous venues.

Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the last 32.

One fan said the team “don’t really deserve to be here” if they do not win the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ryan Woods, 33, from Portsmouth, said: “We should go through.

“It’s a tough game, but if we can’t win tomorrow we don’t really deserve to be here, do we.

“But it will be a hard game – we’ve struggled when we’ve had to break teams down but we should be all right hopefully. On to Mexico.”

Woods said securing top spot in the group against Panama had caused him more anxiety because it determined whether England would play in Atlanta or Toronto.

“We’ve got our flights booked to Mexico, but they’re refundable anyway which is good,” he said.

“It was more the flights here – we were a bit nervy at half time in New York.

“I was frantically looking at prices to Toronto and whatnot, but it worked out so it’s all good.”

He continued: “The plan is, assuming we get there, is to go up to the quarters and then we’ll just get priced out of carrying on.

“I’ll be paying it off over a couple of years I think.

“I’m just about to go to my house and spend loads of money on that as well.

“It’s not been too bad but the semi and the final was just too much of a push to do the rest of it, which is unfortunate.”

The Manchester United fan said the tournament has “really started” now it has entered the knockout stages.

He said: “With the only exception being the Scots, we only really had to win one game to go through anyway.

“So now’s the go time really.”

Temperatures in Atlanta have climbed above 30C this week, but another supporter, Jack Goodwin, said England have “no excuses” for Wednesday’s game due to playing in an air-conditioned stadium.

The 34-year-old, who used his £40,000 house deposit to fund his World Cup trip, was confident of a round of 16 tie against Mexico.

He said: “We’re in an air-conditioned stadium tomorrow – it’s at midday but it’s in an air-conditioned stadium so no excuses.

“Not if, when we make it through tomorrow, it’s going to be difficult against Mexico because… humidity, climate – it’ll be tough, it’ll be really tough against the Mexicans.”

Speaking before Mexico’s game against Ecuador alongside his 34-year-old friend Harrison Killick, he continued: “We’re torn – he (Harrison) doesn’t have a Mexico ticket so he wants the Ecuadorians to win tonight because it means ticket prices will plummet.

“Whereas we want Mexico to win because, it’s a bit greedy, but we want to play Mexico in Mexico City.”

The pair said tickets for an England-Mexico tie were selling for thousands of dollars.

“Currently as it stands I think they’re going for about 3,000 US dollars right now,” Mr Goodwin said.

Bristol City fan Lee Lewis, 36, said he had also already booked flights to Mexico.

Speaking about England’s chances of progressing, he said: “I’ve got no choice now, have I?

“I’m in too deep.”

He added: “I think they’ll do well – I think we’ll be through to the next stage after this game.”

Danny Preston, 59, and Tom Preston, 28, from Chesterfield said despite England struggling against defensive teams, they were confident of the Three Lions’ chances on Wednesday.

Danny said: “I think we’ve got a good chance, a very good chance.

“I think these will have the low block again which we’re going to struggle with, but I think as we progress and if the games get more competitive, I think England will come through.”

His son added: “I think we’ll beat them tomorrow, obviously.

“I think it’ll be a struggle again but as we get through, when play better teams we can open up a bit more and play better against them rather than the likes of these tomorrow.”

The father and son duo said they believed there will be “better games” now the tournament has entered the knockout stages.

Danny said: “It’s getting a bit more interesting.”

Tom added: “Good teams have got to go up against each other now… so there should be some better games.”

Companies have previously been urged to consider flexible working arrangements for employees in order to accommodate the 5pm UK time kick-off.

David D’Souza, director of profession at the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, said the “uniquely high level of interest” in the tournament means companies need to think about how they might accommodate those wishing to watch games.

“Flexibility around working hours, such as earlier finishes or later starts to accommodate evening or early-morning games can often be appreciated, however any flexibility should be proportionate and aligned with business needs,” he said.

“Employers should be clear about their expectations and encourage employees to book time off where games, or any after-effects, could affect work performance.”

Conciliation service Acas also advised employers to “plan ahead” and have agreements in place to cover time off and flexible working requests during the competition.

On social media, Bury-based law firm Clough and Willis said it was shutting its offices at 4.30pm so its staff could enjoy the match.

Lee Marston, managing partner at the company, said: “We are in the business of people, not just the law.

“So, when England are playing in a match that could be a real national occasion, there wasn’t much of a debate.

“We talk a lot about workplace culture and wellbeing, and sometimes that means recognising that shared moments matter.

“Closing the office early is a small gesture that says we trust our people, we value them, and we know life isn’t measured solely in billable hours.

“We’ll all be cheering England on and, with any luck, celebrating afterwards.

“The work will still be here tomorrow, and hopefully England won’t need any extra time.”

Last year, the Home Office announced licensing hours would be extended in England and Wales for any England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages.

This means pubs will be able to stay open until 1am following tonight’s game.