The match kicks off at 1am on a school night, prompting debate over whether young fans should be allowed to miss sleep, or even school, to watch one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Speaking after England’s win over DR Congo, Tuchel encouraged parents to make an exception.
He said parents should
“write an excuse for school and let them watch”, arguing that the World Cup only comes around once every four years.
With England now four wins away from lifting the trophy, people across Swindon have shared differing views on whether children should be allowed to stay up.
Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, believes there is a distinction between different stages of the competition.
“I think if it was the World Cup final, then it’s a different story. But I don’t think kids should be missing school for the group games. I’m recording it at 2am then will put it on first thing when we wake up and they’ll probably be able to watch most of it with their breakfast before school starts!”
Ben Gristwood, a director of a local grassroots football club, said:
“Yes, I think it’s good for the kids who love football.”
Swindon24 sports reporter Ian Howard said the choice should remain with parents.
“It’s an individual decision for parents at the end of the day. With schools judged on attendance figures I understand the reluctance to allow children to miss a day in the classroom. Primary children are unlikely to last until 3am without falling asleep and teenagers will watch it on their phones no matter what the judgement!”
Tim Howe, founder of Longevity Games, said families should be trusted to make the decision that is right for them.
“I am torn between watching it and not. I do remember setting an alarm to watch the Olympics, but that was to wake up and watch one race, not a 90-plus minute match. I personally feel it’s a parent’s choice. Who are we to stop families sharing moments together when we need to see more families together? If the parent feels it’s healthy and appropriate, then that’s their decision.”
Richard Wood, manager of Swindon Town Women’s Football Team, believes the experience would create lasting memories.
“Most children will see it as an exciting experience that they will remember for a long time. It’s worth the downside of a few days of tiredness.”
Business owner Graeme Leighfield, of GEL Studios, also believes the occasion is one many families will want to enjoy together.
“I see these occasions as important family time. The time of 1am is pretty extreme, but the World Cup is only once every four years. At this time in the academic year all exams are done. I personally don’t see any harm, just an early night the next day!”
Mayor of Swindon, Neil Hopkins said:
“This is a matter for parents to decide however, when my children were young they would not have been able to stay awake to watch anything at this time in the morning so I’d have recorded it for them to watch very early before school the next day, and kept quiet about the result until they’d seen it!”
Reform UK Swindon Chair Sara Godwin added:
“England don’t often give us nights like this! If parents think it’s a one-off worth the early morning, that’s their call. Families should make these decisions, not politicians. Personally I will be recording it and watching it over breakfast before work.”
The discussion comes after a primary school in neighbouring Wiltshire announced it would open early so pupils could watch the match on delay over breakfast before lessons begin, allowing children to enjoy the occasion without staying awake through the night.
As England continue their World Cup campaign, families across Swindon are weighing up whether the chance to witness a potentially memorable night of football is worth sacrificing a good night’s sleep before school.
