England vs. Mexico could be delayed as nightmare pub scenario for fans emerges

Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am so fans can watch the Three Lions' last-16 match against Mexico, but the bleak weather forecast could impact everyone's viewing experience.

Thomas Tuchel's side will be hoping to overcome high altitude on Sunday evening (6pm local time), when they come up against an in-form Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

For those unaware, the famous Azteca sits at more than 7,000 feet above sea level, which, for context, is one-and-a-half times higher than the summit of Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom's highest point.

It will certainly be England's most difficult task to date. "You play against Mexico in the Azteca, and there will be a lot, a lot, a lot of obstacles waiting for us," said Tuchel following England's win over DR Congo.

Tuchel, who mentioned the altitude being "a big disadvantage", might have to contend with another obstacle this weekend – a potential weather delay.

According to the Met Office forecast, thunderstorms are expected to begin an hour before kick-off. In fact, thunderstorms are forecast between 17:00 and 19:00 in Mexico City.

Lightning is seen during a weather delay before clash between Mexico and Ecuador. Image credit: Getty

X user @PlanetFPLPod mentioned the weather in a post on Friday, saying: "Pubs allowed open until 5am for England on Sunday night. Gonna be funny as when the game gets delayed 2 hours due to lightning strikes & then goes to extra time."

Monday's match in Mexico is not expected to finish until at least 03:00 but if there was a hefty delay, then the full-time whistle could blow perilously close to closing time for pubs across England and Wales.

READ MORE: England delay trip to Mexico City over spying concerns

On Wednesday evening, Mexico's round of 32 game against Ecuador was hit by weather disruption, with the game kicking off an hour later than planned because of thunderstorms around the Azteca.

England's preparations for round-of-16 game could be impacted by Mexico fans

This summer, a section of Mexico supporters have been disrupting the pre-match preparations of opposition players.

Earlier this week, the Ecuadorian Football Federation filed an official complaint for the behaviour of supporters who gathered outside their hotel and tried to keep them awake.

And days before their last-16 tie against England, they are looking to repeat their traditional antics against England, according to The Mirror,

It is said they are planning to bring loudspeakers, cars, music, motorbikes and horns to create deafening noise at the hotel England are staying in and, while local police will be on hand at the hotel, they may struggle to contain the hostile scenes.