Prince William offered his congratulations to the England team after their 3-2 victory over Mexico, securing a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. The prince joined supporters across the nation who stayed up through the night to watch the match.
"Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!" Prince William posted on X, formerly Twitter, early Monday morning. He was among a number of politicians who stayed awake for the game, which kicked off at 2 a.m. UK time after a delay due to thunderstorms.
Reform MP Robert Jenrick shared his pride, stating, "So proud of this England team. Heroes, each and every one of them." Labour MP Stella Creasy remarked on the late hour, comparing the experience to consuming multiple energy drinks before the morning school run.
The match saw jubilant scenes both in stadiums and fan zones. England fans erupted as Jude Bellingham scored two quick goals, only for Mexico to equalize shortly after. The lead was re-established when Harry Kane converted a penalty, though the team later faced challenges after defender Jarell Quansah received a red card. Mexico further narrowed the score with a penalty in the final minutes, but England held on for the win.
Millions of fans across Britain are expected to be late for or absent from work and school on Monday, with employers anticipating a surge in absences. Some fans, like 22-year-old engineer Lorcan Finn, took the day off in anticipation of the early morning kick-off. Harry Becks, 27, also confirmed he had booked the day off work.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals. The match concluded after an additional 11 minutes of second-half stoppage time, with the final whistle confirming England's advancement in the tournament. Fans at Boxpark Wembley in London celebrated the victory, with some becoming emotional as CO2 cannons released white fog and supporters embraced. Harry Kane was seen celebrating the team's third goal with Jude Bellingham. "I'm older, I do not work. I will wake up tomorrow at home, if I'm not dead!" quipped Terry, 62, from Preston, who watched the match with his son Matt.