Rob Beckett is reportedly finding the schedule particularly difficult. The report says the comedian has been getting up early with his children and, on one occasion, went to bed at half-time after starting the day at 6am.
Jamie Laing, who recently became a father, is also said to have lasted only around 20 minutes of one match. McFly drummer Harry Judd reportedly faced an even tougher timetable, waking at 5:30am and missing the start of England’s win over Panama.
Those details matter because they turn a familiar World Cup complaint into a practical one. For parents, the issue is not a lack of interest. It is the choice between a late-night match and the next morning’s responsibilities.
The report says England reached the knockout stage as group winners after beating Panama, but the result was not necessarily experienced as a shared event by every supporter.
Some fans will have watched every attack. Others may have relied on clips, updates or the final score before heading to bed. That changes the emotional rhythm of a tournament. The big moments still travel quickly, but the communal feeling of watching them live becomes harder to maintain.
Beckett’s reported frustration is notable because he has previously been an enthusiastic England follower. The contrast underlines how strongly kick-off times can shape a supporter’s relationship with a major tournament.
England’s next knockout fixture will provide another test for parents and early risers. A dramatic result may dominate the headlines, but the wider fan story will also be about who managed to see it live.
For supporters balancing football with family life, the most important fixture may be the one that begins early enough to finish before bedtime.