Keir Starmer set to deny England fans day off for key World Cup clash despite potential 1am kick-off

Sir Keir Starmer will deny England fans a bank holiday to cheer on the Three Lions for their potential last 16 tie, which kicks off at 1am.

England play DR Congo in the round of 32 at 5pm on July 1, and should they progress, Thomas Tuchel's side will play either Mexico or Ecuador in the next round.

The contest, which is due to take place at the Estadio Azteca, will kick off at 1am, ending at around 3am, as long as there is no extra time.

Should extra time and penalties follow, the game could run all the way till 4am.

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England fans will have to commit to little sleep for work on the following Tuesday should they get up and support the Three Lions.

Tuchel's side reached the last 32 with victory over Panama, thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

DR Congo qualified through the third-place route, with their star man Yoane Wissa ready to relish the challenge of facing the Three Lions.

The Newcastle striker said: "England is going to be a different game, a tough game against top players and top opponent.

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"We need to enjoy this kind of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next."

Wissa shared he is keen to show what he is about after having a disappointing first season with Newcastle since his move from Brentford.

He said: "That’s why I'm even prouder than everyone else in this room because it’s been tough.

"It's been a tough injury. You know when you want to come back earlier, catch the train, it's not a good thing to do.

"I didn't show my best face at Newcastle but I knew that my time will come and this time is now.

"I just show everyone now I’m in a good place, I’m good physically, I'm good mentally, so that's why I'm proud to show that I’m a good player [against Uzbekistan].

"I know how to play football and especially when I’m good physically my head is calm, and the rest follows."

Tuchel has called on Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka to step up against DR Congo.

"On a certain level, we want these guys in a key moment to show up. Harry did it. Jude did it," Tuchel said.

"I am convinced that Nico O'Reilly almost did it against Ghana."

The England boss was referring to O'Reilly's header that struck the crossbar during the goalless draw.

"I am sure Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka will do it when the time is there, and we need that."

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