South West Fans Cheer England’s 3‑2 Win Over Mexico

Across Devon and Cornwall, football fans awoke early on Monday morning to cheer England’s World Cup clash with Mexico. The scheduled 01:00 BST kickoff was pushed back an hour because of heavy rain and lightning. Despite the odd hour, supporters filled local pubs to watch the match.

The game finally started at 02:00 BST and finished after 04:00, with England edging Mexico 3‑2. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the standout performers, each contributing crucial moments to the victory. About 300 fans gathered at The Hyde Dendy in Paignton, Devon, to celebrate the result.

The pub’s owner, Xander Narvidge, said he had to hire 20 extra staff to handle the crowd. He praised the large turnout, the lively atmosphere, and the final score, but added that a more sensible kickoff time would be welcome. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that pubs could stay open until 05:00 BST that night.

England’s next obstacle is Norway in the quarter‑finals, scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST. Fans in Cornwall also turned out in force, with roughly 350 supporters packing the Brittania Inn in St Austell. The early morning drama continued with the win boosting morale for the upcoming match.

In the Brittania, landlord Phil Lafferty called the evening “incredible” and compared it to the famous 2002 Japan match that kicked off at 06:00. He noted that some patrons left when the delay was announced, yet most stayed to watch the full game. The landlord described the turnout as “really good” and the mood as “fantastic”.

Among the supporters, Billy Martin said he had loved football since childhood and booked the day off work weeks in advance. He joked that his partner might be second in line after his country. Charlie Rolfe, who has a morning shift at 06:00, said he had to show up straight after the match to support England.

The early‑hour victories and community spirit underscore how the World Cup unites people across the United Kingdom. With the quarter‑final just days away, fans are already planning how to celebrate another potential upset. The experience of staying up past midnight has already become a talking point for the next match.