The nation braces for an exhilarating night as England faces Mexico at the Azteca stadium. Following a thrilling performance with two late goals from Harry Kane against the Democratic Republic of Congo, both Kane and manager Thomas Tuchel have called for strong support from fans. However, with the match starting at 1am on a Monday, many workers face a tough choice between watching the match and getting adequate sleep before the workweek begins.

As the match time approaches, pubs will extend their hours, and schools have announced late starts on Monday to accommodate young fans. For those still planning their Monday schedules, the situation is less straightforward:

• Taking the Day Off: Many fans have preemptively booked leave for key matches, particularly those traveling from the U.S. to support the Three Lions. However, for those who just realized the late-night timing, short notice may hinder their ability to take leave. Legal expert Nicole Humphreys advises that employees typically need to provide notice double the length of their requested time off. Those who take leave without permission risk disciplinary action.

• Calling in Sick: Following England's previous match, there was a notable increase in sick leave requests. Alan Price from BrightHR noted a 5% rise in sick calls after the last match. Employees can self-certify illness for up to seven days, but employers are cautioned to avoid assumptions about sick calls, as Joanne Moseley from Irwin Mitchell suggests thorough return-to-work interviews.

• Arriving Late: Employers have discretion in accommodating flexible schedules. Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, urges businesses to show understanding, advocating for flexible work hours on Monday. He emphasizes the need for common sense as millions rally behind the Three Lions.

As the excitement builds, the balance between work and World Cup passion continues to challenge fans across the country.