After England’s thrilling World Cup victory over Mexico, the usual hustle and bustle of commuter hubs in Britain was notably absent, with roads and train stations across the country eerily quiet. Fans, still buzzing from the late-night match, opted for a more relaxed morning, either working from home, taking a day off, or simply skipping their usual commute.

Originally set for a 1 am UK time kick-off, the match faced a delay due to severe weather, triggering the stadium’s thunderstorm protocol. The game finally started at 2 am, concluding just after 4 am, as fans eagerly watched England secure a spot in the quarter-finals with Jude Bellingham scoring twice before Harry Kane’s penalty sealed the win.

The unexpected late night led to a noticeable drop in morning traffic as supporters chose a few extra hours of rest over the daily grind. Despite preparations for a long night, the match’s delayed start and extended playtime kept fans up even later, contributing to the unusually quiet streets on Monday morning.

To accommodate the late-night match, the government extended licensing hours for pubs and bars until 5 am, allowing fans to watch the game without time constraints. This decision, supported by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ensured fans could fully enjoy the match, which saw England overcome Mexico in a tense encounter.

Following the dramatic victory, jubilant celebrations erupted among fans, both in pubs and homes, despite the late hours. The lack of sleep seemed a small price to pay for witnessing the Three Lions’ triumph and advancing to the quarter-finals. The quieter morning rush reflected the dedication of fans who stayed up past 4 am to support their team.

Although running on minimal sleep, fans were rewarded with an unforgettable match as England secured their place in the next round, where they are set to face Norway. With a more favorable kick-off time for the upcoming game, fans can look forward to cheering on their team without another sleepless night, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.