England hero Jude Bellingham has told the nation to have the day off work and school to celebrate the famous World Cup win over Mexico.
The Three Lions secured a 3-2 win over Mexico in a match that saw an hour's delay from its original 1am kick-off. This meant dedicated supporters who stayed up did not get to bed until well past 4am, with 11 minutes of added time only prolonging the tension.
With the working week starting just hours after the full-time whistle in Mexico City, Bellingham urged people to pull a sickie.
Asked for his message to fans back home, Bellingham, who scored two goals during the game, said: “Have another shot, text your bosses and tell them you’re not coming in – simple as that.”
He added: “Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work, enjoy your day, have the day off if you can... these nights don’t come often.”
Hundreds of pubs and bars were packed with fans for the clash, with the government having extended opening hours until 5am on Monday. Celebrations erupted at the final whistle, with beers reportedly flying through the air.
Bellingham added: “I have been an England fan since I was seven years old, the 2010 World Cup was my first one.
“Of course, in recent times we have had better moments but I remember watching a few tournaments and seeing a few of the players that are now on TV talking about it.
“They struggled in these types of nights and it was tough because it felt like the country never really got behind them.
“To be part of an England team that gives so much to the country and can give them nights like this, then it means just as much as anything in my career.
“There are going to be videos galore when I get in the changing room and check my phone.
But parents were urged to get their children to school by a minister, who said it was “important to learn that resilience” of getting through the day tired.
Early education minister Olivia Bailey said that every day of school mattered, even if they are “a bit sleepy” after watching England’s late-night World Cup clash with Mexico.
She told Times Radio: “I would absolutely encourage kids to get themselves into school this morning.”
And she addressed children directly on Sky News, saying: “You might feel a bit tired, but that’s also important to learn that resilience, because there’ll be many more days when you feel a bit tired at work, and you’ve got to get through, and you’ve got to still learn.”
The Prince of Wales was among the first to congratulate the team as they made it through to a face Norway in a quarter final.
William wrote in a social media post: “Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!”
And prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will leave office just after the World Cup final, said: “One of the greatest England matches I’ve ever seen. We are through to the quarter finals!”
The night’s drama began early when forecasted thunderstorms struck around the Azteca stadium on Sunday evening UK time, causing the kick-off to be delayed to 2am over risk of lightning strikes.
The game picked up where the weather left off, with England playing much of the second-half with 10 men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high tackle following a VAR review, while both sides were awarded penalties.
MPs were among those around the country up late to watch England triumph.
In a post on X, Labour MP Stella Creasy quipped: “I have no idea how I do the school run this morning after a red card and a penalty… Like having had ten espressos and a red bull chaser…”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick added: “So proud of this England team. Heroes, each and every one of them.”
The occasion also seemed to get to England captain Harry Kane, whose second-half penalty proved crucial, after he struggled to speak when being interviewed after the game.
His efforts in the match even caught the attention of US president Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”
Ecstatic England fans spontaneously broke out into Sweet Caroline at Boxpark Wembley in north-west London, with people jumping into the air and Co2 cannons blasting white fog in celebration.
Similar scenes occurred at fan parks in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle – with confetti flying as shirtless fans embraced each other.
At Wembley, Ollie, 29, who did not want to disclose his surname, joked he would be “very ill” in a few hours when he needed to go to work.
“Luckily my manager is also ill,” he said. “The win was a long time coming.”
Co-hosts Mexico had only lost only two of their previous 89 competitive games at the Estadio Azteca, which lies more than 2,200 metres above sea level.
Outside the ground after the game, England fan Stuart Pearce, 62, described the match as “one of the best games ever”.
He said: “When the Mexicans came out the whole thing vibrated – it was a great atmosphere, all the Mexicans were really friendly.
“We’ve not had one bit of trouble – the Mexicans are so friendly that one even bought us a train ticket today.”
His son Liam, 29, from Wiltshire, said the stadium was “unbelievable”.
He added: “We sat amongst the Mexicans which was a bit terrifying to start with, but as soon as that first goal went in it was fine.
“The performances aren’t great but the best teams never play well throughout the tournament, so we’ll see.”
Sam Holroyd, 21, from Leeds, said his nerves were “bad, really bad”.
“I’ve watched Leeds and I’ve not had it worse than that,” he told the Press Association. The altitude got to me when they scored the penalty.”
England will now face Norway on Saturday in the quarter-final after the Scandinavian side defeated Brazil 2-1, but Matt Simmons, 30 from Portsmouth was already looking beyond that.
“We pulled a blinder, didn’t we? Absolutely smashed it tonight. Sensational,” he said.
“We’re going to bring it home – on the flight home, we’re going to get a nice couple of bottles of Champagne.”
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