We’re going home!’ Londoners pull sickies after England’s thrilling World Cup win over Mexico in pubs
We re going home Londoners pull – Londoners across the city were in full celebration mode after England’s dramatic World Cup victory over Mexico, with many fans choosing to stay home from work to savor the historic win. The match, which took place in Mexico City, concluded with a 3-2 triumph for the Three Lions, sending waves of excitement through the capital. As the first light of dawn broke over Monday morning, the usual hustle of commuters had been replaced by the sound of laughter and the sight of empty pubs, a testament to the nation’s collective joy.
The victory sparked spontaneous celebrations in public spaces, with fans gathering on streets and in parks to share the moment. At Boxpark Wembley, more than 1,400 supporters leapt into the air, their cheers echoing through the venue. The game’s late finish—delayed by an hour due to bad weather—left many fans in a state of euphoria, with the final whistle triggering a flurry of hugs, high-fives, and even bursts of song. One fan, Julie Diggins, described the atmosphere as “electric,” saying she couldn’t believe the outcome when the match was pushed back to 1am BST.
Spontaneous Celebrations and Late-Night Pubs
As the clock struck 5am, hundreds of pubs in London remained open, accommodating fans who wanted to extend their revelry. The streets of the City of London, typically bustling with morning activity, were eerily quiet, with only the remnants of partying groups and the occasional car horn breaking the stillness. This phenomenon, dubbed the “great London bunk off,” highlighted the deep connection fans felt to the historic result.
“They’re bringing it. I’m telling you now. I got so excited,” said Julie Diggins, a jubilant supporter at Boxpark Wembley. “Couldn’t believe it when they said that the game was gonna be delayed by an hour, but I bat.”
Some schools in the city also adjusted their schedules, allowing children to arrive later to catch the excitement. While this decision was met with mixed reactions, it underscored the national enthusiasm for the match. Even government officials weighed in, with Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey urging students to return to classes despite their post-game fatigue. “I would absolutely encourage kids to get themselves into school this morning,” she told Times Radio. “They might feel a bit tired, but it’ll be a good day at school, and it’s really important they get in there, because every day at school matters, even when you’re feeling a bit sleepy.”
Relief and Rivalry in the Moment
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with fans switching between euphoria and anxiety as the game reached its climax. After Mexico narrowed the gap to 2-3 following a penalty from Raul Jimenez, the crowd at Boxpark Wembley erupted into cheers, their voices rising in unison as the Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals. The final minutes were a blur of high-fives, hugs, and spontaneous dancing, with some fans breaking into a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” to mark the historic win.
“Have another shot and text your bosses to say you’re not coming in tomorrow. That’s about it,” said Jude Bellingham, England’s standout performer. “My god, if you can’t enjoy a night like this, just for one night, then I don’t know what it’s worth.”
Bellingham’s words resonated with fans who had stayed up late to watch the match. Many joked about their plans to skip work, with Ollie, a 29-year-old supporter, quipping: “I’d be very ill in a few hours when I needed to go to work. And luckily my manager is also ill.” His humor mirrored the sentiments of others, including two women who chose to remain anonymous but shared their excitement about calling in sick. “We’re going to be off today,” one of them said. “It’s too good to miss.”
Meanwhile, the emotional toll of the match was evident. The game’s intensity had left fans breathless, with moments of tension and triumph creating a shared sense of elation. The send-off of defender Jarell Quansah via a VAR review had momentarily silenced the crowd, but the final goal from Harry Kane reignited their spirits. The crowd’s roar was described as “carnage” by Bellingham, who imagined the nationwide scenes of celebration regardless of location or background. “No matter where you’re from or what you do, I can imagine everyone is together,” he said, capturing the unifying power of the victory.
Global Reactions to England’s Triumph
The win wasn’t just celebrated locally. From the White House to the royal family, global figures joined in the cheer. US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to congratulate England, posting: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” The Prince and Princess of Wales also expressed their pride on X, writing: “Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!” London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed the sentiment, calling it “What a night for England. You could hear London roar in the dark. Quarter-finals, here we come.”
Despite the late finish, fans were still heading home from pubs as the first commuters began their daily routines. The delayed start, originally set for 1am BST, added to the sense of anticipation, with some fans choosing to stay out late to witness the final moments. The result, however, was clear: the city was united in its celebration, with even the usual rush hour transformed into a festive parade of jubilation.
As the dust settled, the cultural impact of the victory became apparent. The fan zone’s CO2 canons, which usually provide a subtle mist for added ambiance, were said to have been used in a more dramatic way, creating a surreal atmosphere for those still celebrating. The sight of fans embracing one another and shouting into the air was a powerful reminder of the shared joy that football can bring, even in the face of exhaustion.
While the match had ended, the conversations around it were just beginning. The delayed start, the dramatic finish, and the emotional highs and lows had left a lasting impression on fans and officials alike. For many, the win was more than just a sporting event—it was a moment of national pride and communal relief. As the city slowly returned to normal, the echoes of celebration reminded all of England’s triumph in the World Cup.
Additional stories from the day included updates on Henderson’s hospitalization following a freak injury and highlights of the 2026 World Cup betting offers, which were trending as fans anticipated the next phase of the tournament. Yet, the heart of the story remained the spontaneous, joyous outpouring of support that defined the night. For Londoners, the morning after England’s win was not just a day off—it was a celebration of a hard-fought victory that brought the city to a standstill.
