England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway could be overshadowed by the weather, with extreme heat and the threat of thunderstorms raising the possibility of another delayed kick-off in Miami.
Thomas Tuchel's side booked their place in the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, but supporters were forced to wait until 2am UK time for the match to begin after thunderstorms delayed the last-16 encounter at the Azteca Stadium.
Now England face another battle with the elements ahead of Saturday's showdown at the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm local time, which is 10pm in the UK, with temperatures expected to reach around 33C.
Combined with Florida's notorious humidity, conditions on the pitch are expected to feel significantly hotter for both sets of players.
Those temperatures could become particularly important because FIFA has strict protocols governing matches played in extreme heat.
The governing body uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measurement that factors in air temperature, humidity, wind and direct sunlight to assess player safety.
England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway could be overshadowed by the weather, with extreme heat and the threat of thunderstorms raising the possibility of another delayed kick-off in Miami
|GETTY
Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for England in their World Cup win over Mexico | GETTYOfficials record WBGT readings 90 minutes before kick-off and again one hour before the match at venues considered especially hot or humid, with Miami falling into that category.
According to FIFA's Emergency Care Manual, if the WBGT reaches or exceeds 32C, officials can introduce mandatory cooling breaks and, in exceptional circumstances, consider postponing or cancelling the fixture if conditions are judged unsafe.
Cooling breaks have already featured at several matches during this World Cup, allowing players to rehydrate midway through each half.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSHowever, no match at the tournament has so far been postponed or abandoned because of extreme heat.
Any decision would ultimately rest with FIFA's designated match management team after assessing the conditions shortly before kick-off.
Player union FIFPRO has previously argued for an even more cautious approach.
The organisation recommends that matches should be delayed or postponed once WBGT readings rise above 28C because of the increased health risks posed by intense heat and humidity.
While forecasts do not currently suggest postponement is likely, another issue could yet affect England's preparations.
Weather forecasts indicate there remains a chance of isolated thunderstorms developing across Miami on Saturday, despite generally clear conditions being expected for much of the day.
Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to set up an exciting showdown with England | GETTYIf lightning is detected near the stadium, FIFA's safety procedures could force another lengthy interruption similar to the one England experienced against Mexico.
Under tournament regulations, a shelter-in-place order is activated if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the venue.
Should that happen before kick-off, players, officials and supporters would be required to seek shelter until conditions improve.
If lightning occurs during the match itself, play would immediately be suspended, with everyone leaving the pitch while fans are directed to protected areas inside the stadium.
Competition rules require a minimum 30-minute period without another lightning strike before play can resume.
Any additional strike within the designated eight-mile radius resets the countdown, meaning further delays are possible until the storm has completely cleared.