THE whole of England will be yawning tomorrow as severe weather warnings threaten long delays to their World Cup tie.
The Three Lions travelled to Mexico on Friday to begin preparations for their last 16 game against the co-hosts tonight.
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England fans may be pulling an all-nighter if the weather continues in Mexico City Credit: Getty
Mexico’s last clash against Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to the weather Credit: AFP
As kick-off approaches, the doomed weather forecast has rolled in with thunderstorms expected as torrential rain falls.
Fifa had previously moved the game forward by six hours as a major wait looks increasingly likely.
But after protests from both the England and Mexico camps, any chance of rescheduling was ruled out.
If Fifa’s new time had stuck, fans back in England would have enjoyed a 7pm kick-off as the summer heat cools.
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Instead, their best option is a 1am start with little to no delay.
From 4pm, there is an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms in Mexico City, according to the national weather organisation Servicio Meteorologico Nacional.
The weather is set to hold through to 5pm and even 6pm, even if the probability falls to 60 per cent.
There could be a huge issue if there’s lightning too with emergency regulations in place.
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Fifa rules state that lightning within eight miles (13km) of the stadium will lead to suspensions in order to protect players and fans.
Emergency warnings are in place and set to delay the restart by half an hour every time there is a fresh lightning strike in the perimeter.
England have not had any games rescheduled as of yet, unlike Mexico who had their round of 32 2-0 win over Ecuador pushed back an hour.
The altitude will be another factor for Thomas Tuchel to consider as they take to the Azteca at 2,700 feet.
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