England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday faces the threat of a thunderstorm in Miami, where temperatures are currently around 33 degrees Celsius. However, forecasts indicate the storm is not expected to hit during the 6pm local time kick-off. The Football Association is closely monitoring weather updates after an hour-long delay in Mexico City earlier in the tournament.
Previous Weather Delays
England has already experienced two weather-related disruptions this summer. Before the World Cup, a huge storm delayed their friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando. Players stayed at their nearby hotel and arrived at the stadium only when the storm passed. In Mexico last Sunday, they arrived at the Azteca just over 90 minutes before the game due to accurate forecasting and timing.
According to sources, the key is to be well prepared and get the timing right. The reliability of weather apps in this region allows teams to track storms accurately, which helped England avoid a longer delay in Mexico City.
Stadium Adaptations
FIFA considered moving the kick-off in Mexico City due to weather and fan safety concerns after four fans died in crushes during Mexico's previous game with Ecuador. Ultimately, the kick-off remained the same, and the game was pushed back by an hour. The Azteca, despite being an old stadium with small dressing rooms, has warm-up areas behind the pitch where players use exercise bikes, stretch, and take on fluids.
In Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, similar facilities are available. England's players are prepared to use these areas if needed. Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, now managing Charlotte, noted that fans are accustomed to delays and stadiums are well-equipped. Smith said: "You just get used to it. And you can be sure that would have been the message ahead of the World Cup for all the teams. Of course it can be frustrating but it is very different and a lot of it is psychological. But you keep warm, make sure that muscles don’t seize up and stay focused."
Weather Protocols
In the United States, weather delays are typically triggered by electrical storms. When lightning strikes within a ten-mile radius, play is suspended for 30 minutes, with the clock resetting each time lightning strikes. This protocol affected England's training camp in Florida and their first day in Kansas City. The coaching team is now accustomed to these disruptions and has prepared accordingly.
Former Canada boss John Herdman, born in County Durham, advised embracing the chaos rather than over-organising. He told Mirror Football: "Do everything you can to prepare. But also be ready to be stuck on the tarmac and be ready to have a laugh about it. If you’ve had to move hotels because of a flood or the training camp has been hit with a tornado, then don’t give the players an escape route or give them an excuse. Get better at dealing with the chaos."
Impact on Players
During delays, players use exercise bikes and stretching mats to keep muscles warm. Chelsea's Club World Cup tie with Benfica in Charlotte last summer was delayed by nearly two hours, with the match finishing 4 hours and 38 minutes after it started. Reece James, currently in England's squad, was among those who used exercise bikes during that delay.
England's preparations include plans for players like Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham to stay focused. The facilities in American stadiums are described as second to none, allowing teams to maintain readiness despite unpredictable weather.
