England and Mexico World Cup match facing fresh delay as FIFA holds talks over thunderstorm threat

FIFA then confirmed that the game would proceed as originally planned, despite a 90 per cent chance of thunderstorms in the area.

The governing body's rules stipulate that any lightning within a six-mile radius of a ground will lead to postponement, in order to protect fans and players.

Now, however, there could yet be a fresh twist to the saga.

Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett has said that FIFA "will meet with local organisers in Mexico City later today" to discuss the situation.

Furthermore, there is still a chance that kick-off may yet "be affected".

"FIFA will meet with local organisers in Mexico City later today, to further discuss possible disruption to #mexico v #england with thunderstorms on the way," he wrote.

"Still 90% chance of lightning around Azteca Stadium around kick off on Sunday, and local specialist report I have seen says officials need to 'maintain readiness for lightning safety procedures.'

"Kick off won’t come forward 6hrs, but it may be affected."

It means England's preparations for one of the biggest matches of their World Cup campaign remain clouded by uncertainty.

Mexico have already experienced weather-related disruption at this tournament, with their last-32 tie against Ecuador delayed by an hour because of thunder and lightning in Mexico City.

That precedent will only heighten concern ahead of England's clash with the co-hosts, particularly with supporters already making their way to the stadium.

An earlier kick-off would have caused major logistical issues for fans travelling to the Estadio Azteca, with many potentially at risk of missing the start of the match.

But while the prospect of the game being brought forward now appears to have been ruled out, the threat of a delay continues to hang over the game.

The situation is another headache for Thomas Tuchel, whose side have already had to deal with a hostile reception since arriving in Mexico City.

England's team hotel was leaked before their arrival, with fans gathering outside to jeer, whistle and shout abuse at the players as they stepped off the team bus.

Harry Kane was among those targeted, with the England captain turning his head as supporters repeatedly called his name.

Security has since been ramped up around the squad, with metal barriers and a heavy police presence outside the hotel.

Tuchel and his staff also fear Mexican supporters could attempt to keep England's players awake before the match.

Ecuador submitted a formal complaint after their defeat to Mexico, claiming local fans used fireworks, air horns, drums, motorbikes and loud music outside their hotel in an attempt to deprive players of sleep.

England delayed their trip to Mexico City amid concerns over security and potential spying, returning to their Kansas City base after beating DR Congo rather than travelling straight from Atlanta.

Tuchel has been determined to keep England's tactical plans private, with the squad's base in Kansas City viewed as a more secure environment.

Now England must also contend with the conditions at the Azteca, which sits more than 7,000ft above sea level.

Altitude can affect breathing, heart rate and sleep, while also increasing the risk of dehydration.

Tuchel admitted after England's win over DR Congo that he expected a difficult build-up.

"We will expect that," he said when asked about possible noise outside the hotel. "But what can we do? We will bring earplugs. I expect everything."