Orlando (United States) (AFP) – England’s final World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica was delayed on Wednesday after a heavy thunderstorm hit Orlando. Torrential rain and lightning left the pitch at the Inter & Co Stadium heavily waterlogged ahead of the planned 4pm (2000 GMT) kick-off time. The match will now start at 5pm local time if there are no more lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
“Today’s game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando,” the English Football Association said in a statement. “Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area.”
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Delays were a prominent feature of the Club World Cup in the United States 12 months ago and could have a major impact on the largest ever World Cup, which begins on Thursday. England chose to have two friendlies in Florida to acclimatise to the searing heat they will face once the tournament gets underway.
The Three Lions will then travel to their base camp in Kansas City. Considered among the favourites despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. Thomas Tuchel’s side also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.
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