England’s World Cup warm-up delayed as storm batters Orlando pitch
Torrential rain and lightning have left the Inter&Co Stadium waterlogged, prompting a delay to the final pre-tournament friendly for Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
England’s final World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica was delayed on Wednesday after a heavy thunderstorm struck 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 English Football Association confirmed the postponement, citing weather conditions as the primary factor. In a statement, the governing body said: "Today's game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando. We'll provide further updates as soon as we have them."
The delay could extend by another 30 minutes if another lightning strike occurs within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. The uncertainty highlights the logistical challenges facing the tournament, with weather-related disruptions also being a prominent feature of the Club World Cup in the United States 12 months ago.
England selected these two friendlies in Florida to acclimatise to the searing heat expected during the tournament. Following the warm-up matches, the squad is scheduled to travel to their base camp in Kansas City.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama in Group L. The team, managed by Thomas Tuchel, has not won a major tournament for 60 years but is considered among the favourites for the upcoming competition.
