What are conditions like inside Atlanta Stadium? England venue has unique feature to cope with brutal weather

England have had to battle through challenging conditions in their World Cup campaign, but they will get a reprieve against Argentina.

The Three Lions will contest their first semi-final on football’s biggest stage since 2018 on Wednesday night, when they take on Argentina at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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In a familiar theme throughout the summer, Thomas Tuchel’s side had to overcome adverse weather to book their spot in the last four.

England pulled off a memorable 2-1 win over Norway in Miami, thanks to Jude Bellingham‘s double, and they had the heat as an opponent too.

Temperatures soared to around 33C at the Hard Rock Stadium, with a ‘feels like’ reading of around 43C and humidity close to 90 per cent.

Victory in Miami came after the Three Lions handled the dizzying altitude of the Estadio Azteca by beating Mexico 3-2 in the last-16.

With this in mind, fans are understandably already beginning to wonder what England will have to deal with next.

But they could be in for a pleasant surprise, with Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium well-equipped to handle the heat.

What is the weather forecast?

At first glance, the weather once again looks like it could be a potential obstacle for England in Atlanta.

Conditions are expected to be warm and humid, with the temperature predicted to reach a maximum of 29C.

Current readings give a 70 per cent chance of light rain, with a humidity level of 77 per cent forecasted.

The heat and humidity will be emphasised by the lack of breeze – predictions suggest a top wind-speed of just 3mph on Wednesday.

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This means that fans heading to Atlanta to cheer on England will have to do their best to keep cool and stay hydrated, with the conditions outside the ground set to be sweltering.

But once inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, supporters and players need not worry, thanks to some cutting-edge technology…

Does the Mercedes-Benz Stadium have air conditioning?

The Atlanta venue promises to make life easier for England and Argentina, which is one of the most advanced World Cup stadia.

It features a retractable roof and a full climate-control system, meaning the inside can be kept at a more comfortable temperature.

When the decision is made to shut the roof, it completely seals the entire 75,000-capacity ground into a climate-controlled environment.

This makes the Mercedes-Benz Stadium one of only three venues in the tournament capable of air-conditioning its interior.

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It does this by firing up a high-efficiency 8,600-ton industrial cooling plant alongside a dozen air-handling units which pump cold air over the pitch and into the stands.

The roof has remained closed throughout the World Cup, to ensure the massive air-conditioning system can maintain a cool, climate-controlled environment.

As a result, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s state-of-the-art technology means the heat should have no effect on the players on Wednesday.

The stadium bowl is expected to maintain a crisp indoor temperature, allowing England’s stars to leave it all out on the pitch without fears of suffering heatstroke.

Both the Three Lions and Argentina have already benefitted from the Atlanta ground’s cooling features this summer.

England defeated DR Congo there in the round of 32, before Argentina overcame Egypt in dramatic fashion in the last-16.

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When is England vs Argentina?

England’s semi-final against Argentina will take place on Wednesday, July 15.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm UK time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the action.

Adrian Durham will present the action, with Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce talking you through it all.

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