Marcus Rashford becomes first England player to speak out over FIFA's Mexico kick-off change plan

Marcus Rashford has become the first England player to address FIFA's reported plan to change the kick-off time of their last 16 clash against Mexico on Sunday.

Reports initially emerged from Mexican media on Thursday evening that FIFA were set to change the kick-off time from 6pm local to 12pm due to the threat of thunderstorms in the area.

In terms of UK time, the change would mean a switch from 1am on Monday morning to 7pm on Sunday evening, which would mean a number of last-minute changes for both fans and the pubs that were planning to stay open for the match.

The Met Office are forecasting potential thunderstorms in Mexico City for around an hour before kick-off at the Estadio Azteca.

And US government protocols mandate that outdoor activities are suspended for 30 minutes after each lightning strike.

The FA are said to be 'deeply concerned' over the plan, according to the Daily Mirror, particularly in regards to the travelling England fans that are planning to make the trip to Mexico City in the hours before the original kick-off.

READ MORE: The FA 'deeply concerned' over FIFA kick-off change plan for Mexico vs England

Now, Manchester United forward Rashford - whose loan at Barcelona expired on June 30 - has become the first England player to speak out about the ongoing discussions.

The 28-year-old has described the uncertainty and a potential change as 'not ideal', but says England will adapt in any case.

"I think for us, it's the same, how we prepare for the game," he said on Friday evening. "It has to be the same. We have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything.

"I think it's one strength of the group. Everyone, including the players and staff, we're ready for whatever challenge is thrown at us.

"Obviously it's not ideal, but also it doesn't matter."

His Three Lions team-mate Morgan Rogers, meanwhile, echoed Rashford's comments: "Whatever problem we face, or things that might be a bit difficult, we're just going to attack it full throttle and be ready.

"We'll be together and talk through what can help us and try to overcome it."

How Mexico vs England could impact another World Cup game

Any change could threaten the kick-off of Brazil's last 16 clash against Norway, which is due to get underway at 2pm ET - two hours after the proposed new kick-off time for Mexico versus England.

A spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has told The Athletic that 'a change is possible', and that they are awaiting further instruction or detail from FIFA.

READ MORE: Second World Cup match could be moved as Mexico vs England presents FIFA headache

SPORTbible have contacted FIFA for comment on matters relating to the reported kick-off change plan.

Mexico's last 32 clash against Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to the weather, while two hours elapsed between half-time and the second half getting underway in the group stage match between France and Iraq.

France's last 16 fixture against Paraguay, meanwhile, could see temperatures of over 37 degrees Celsius hit Philadelphia. The match is due to kick off at 5pm local time amid concerns.