WC 2026 ⚽ · 6 July 2026
Starmer intervened to keep England's pre-match schedule
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England's players kept their planned time to prepare before facing Mexico after officials opposed an earlier start. Sir Keir Starmer ordered a diplomatic effort after the FA raised concerns before the match, and he later said the Government had worked with the FA to keep the original schedule. England then won 3-2 despite a delayed kick-off.
Reported by Evening Standard · How we write briefs