Fears England's World Cup clash with Mexico could still change as storm forecast

England fans are being warned that the timing of the last 16 World Cup clash with Mexico could still change as storms threaten a nightmare scenario. The match at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is due to start at 6pm local time (1am BST).

But thunder and lightning is forecast for Sunday afternoon, which could lead to delays to kick-off or suspension if the game has started. Sky Sports News presenter Kaveh Solhekol said media are being told there’s an 80% chance of thunderstorms, adding if there are storms and lightning then players will be led back to their dressing rooms.

He explained: “The fans would be asked to leave and go to the concourses to stay away from the threat of lightning. The game would be held up.” The presenter said games in the United States last summer were delayed for up to two and a half hours for the same reasons.

Mr Solhekol said: “Fans should prepare for the possibility that the game doesn’t kick off at 1am. And prepare for the possibility it could last a lot longer. And that’s purely because of the threat of extreme weather here in Mexico on Sunday evening.”

Forecasts for storms had previously prompted discussions the game could be brought forward.

Potential storm conditions over Mexico’s capital led to reports an earlier kick-off time of 12pm local time – 7pm on Sunday in the UK – was being considered.

The Football Association was left stunned at the prospect of an earlier start, with Mexico officials also against the change. FIFA made the decision not to change the timing.

Storm chaos will have given England an unwanted headache ahead of a match which already poses significant challenges.

England face a host nation at their home stadium and a change in altitude as the Estadio Azteca is 2,240m above sea level.

This makes the air is thinner, meaning less oxygen is taken in with each breath, thus making it a much more physically demanding experience.

While England players will be affected, it might also impact the match, with the ball flying through thinner air, meaning shots going off-target and passes being over-hit.

The World Cup co-hosts have also lost just two of their 89 matches at the Azteca, with their last defeat there coming in 2013.

England will have to rewrite the record books if their World Cup journey is to continue.