Education Secretary says parents should decide on children watching World Cup

The Education Secretary has said that it is ultimately up to parents, not schools, to decide whether children can stay up to watch England's World Cup match. The comments come as England prepare to face Mexico at 1am on Monday morning, a kick-off time that has sparked debate among families and teachers.

Speaking on the issue, the Education Secretary stressed that while parents can make their own choices, the important thing is that children attend school the next day. Some schools have already decided to show the game in the morning, which may ease the dilemma for parents.

Children interviewed expressed a range of views. One said: "My dad has been a little bit strict about what time ago. Because, you know, the next day you could all, your concentration curve." Another argued: "If like you're a big England fan I think your parents will let you watch it." A third child suggested a power nap before the match: "Well you can have a like a little power nap before and then wake up and then feel fresh and then watch the match." One child added: "Well I'd be tired if it's a boring match but if it's an exciting game I probably won't be."

A parent commented: "It's once every four years and why would you not? You know you just got to get behind the team."

The Education Secretary's position is that the decision rests with parents, but the expectation is that children will be in school the following day. With some schools already planning to show the game in the morning, the question remains whether parents will let their children stay up or rely on the school screening. Either way, many tired students are expected on Monday morning.