England's World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday night was delayed due to a storm in Orlando but is expected to be played. The game was originally scheduled to kick off at 4pm local time (9pm UK time) but was pushed back by an hour after torrential rain and lightning in Florida. The new kick-off time is 5pm local time (10pm UK time).
Strict safety protocols were in place: whenever lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, the venue cannot be opened for at least 30 minutes. That threat appears to have passed, allowing the match to proceed.
An England statement read: "Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today's match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 10pm (UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area. Thank you for your patience."
England's starting XI was confirmed just under two hours before the rescheduled kick-off. Manager Thomas Tuchel named a strong lineup: Jordan Pickford in goal; a defence of Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, and Nico O'Reilly; midfield trio Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Jude Bellingham; and a front three of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane.
The pitch was rapidly cleared of water, as the final warm-up before the World Cup is crucial preparation. Tuchel would not want to risk player injuries on a waterlogged surface. Even at the height of the downpour, there was optimism that drainage would be quick once the rain eased.
England are also scheduled to play an unofficial behind-closed-doors friendly against club side Miami FC on Thursday. If the Costa Rica match could not be played, that game would have taken on greater importance for Tuchel's intended starting XI for the World Cup opener against Croatia.
That opening match kicks off at 9pm UK time on Wednesday, June 17, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
