England to face more chaos with 44C conditions and thunderstorms in store for World Cup quarter-final

England had to deal with some woeful weather in Mexico ahead of their stunning World Cup last 16 win over the hosts.

But this won’t be the end of their troubles with the adverse conditions in North America set to continue into the quarter-finals…

AFP

The Three Lions claimed a brilliant 3-2 win over Mexico to reach the quarter-finals, they will play Norway in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

Erling Haaland‘s double sent Brazil home, continuing his nation’s impressive run and reaching their first-ever quarter-final.

It’s sure to be a great game between the European heavyweights but the weather may spoil some of the fun…

More weather chaos in store

Currently, the weather forecast for Miami is going to be a major cause for concern for England and Norway.

At the time of writing, there is a real chance of thunderstorms around kick-off at 5pm local time, with lightning very possible.

And if any lightning strikes within eight miles of the Hard Rock Stadium, then a shelter in place order will be issued – and that would lead to play being paused or kick-off delayed.

The storms and heavy rain are currently predicted to last from 5pm through until the early hours of the morning, so there will be real worries surrounding the conditions.

England saw a shelter in place order issued in the hours leading up to their last 16 meeting with Mexico on Sunday, while they were delayed from travelling to the stadium too before eventually a one-hour kick-off delay was announced pre-match.

On top of the thunderstorms, the temperature in Miami is also expected to be a real issue for the players in Saturday’s quarter-final.

The real feel temperature in Miami, at the time of writing, is predicted to reach a sweltering 44 degrees celcius with high humidity.

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How do World Cup weather delays work?

If thunder and lightning are present in the area where a World Cup match is taking place, there is a real possibility of a delay.

As already mentioned, a match must be paused if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

Players and staff will then have to leave the pitch and go back into the changing rooms, while fans will shelter inside.

Then, there has to be a full 30 minutes of no lightning strikes within the eight-mile radius for the game to then restart.

If a lightning strike is detected, the 30-minute timer resets.

And after being made familiar with those rules for the clash with Mexico, England are set to face them again in Miami.

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When is England’s quarter-final?

England’s quarter-final against Norway will take place on Saturday, July 11.

Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm UK time, but if any electrical storms do hit Miami, then that start could be delayed.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the action.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

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