News · 7 July 2026
Over 300,000 pupils missed school after England's World Cup win
Unsplash / mouad bouallayel
On Monday morning, approximately 332,000 children were absent from school following England's 3-2 World Cup triumph against Mexico. School attendance dropped by more than three percentage points compared to the previous Monday, with older pupils having higher absence rates. England manager Thomas Tuchel had encouraged parents to let children watch the early morning game, even suggesting they "write an excuse for school".
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs