England v Argentina delay fears addressed with statement released just hours before kick-off

England’s World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina may be delayed this evening as weather forecasts are predicting a high chance of thunderstorms in Atlanta, Georgia.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are vying to become just the second group of England players to reach a World Cup final when they face reigning champions and three-time winners Argentina at Atalanta Stadium – formerly Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The state-of-the-art facility, which host the NFL side Atlanta Falcons and MLS team Atlanta United, is fitted with a retractable roof, which forms an optical illusion of eight moving petals.

Of course, when adverse weather conditions occur, the roof is regularly used, while it also boasts air conditioning, which pumps cool air into the stands and over the pitch.

And while the air conditioning and roof will reduce the impact of soaring temperatures forecast to reach 29 degrees Celsius come kick-off on Wednesday (July 15), the same rules around thunderstorms apply that have already impacted the World Cup.

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FIFA rules, based on local authority requirements set out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state that a game must be halted or delayed if lightning strikes within eight miles of a stadium, with fans removed from their seats.

All players must leave the pitch and seek shelter before being allowed a 15-minute warm-up ahead of the resumption of play once they are permitted to return to the field.

The match can only resume once there has been no lightning for a period of 30 minutes.

Several teams have already been forced to leave the pitch or deal with a delay to kick-off during the tournament, including England, who saw their round of 16 tie against Mexico in the nation’s capital delayed by an hour.

According to AccuWeather, there is a 55 percent chance of precipitation during the afternoon, with the forecast reading: “Some sun with a thunderstorm in spots; humid.”

As previously mentioned, if thunderstorms do occur within eight miles of the Atlanta Stadium, then officials have no choice but to stop the match in line with regulations.

Statement released on Atlanta weather before England vs Argentina

Despite concerns regarding the potential for thunderstorms to disrupt the fixture, on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson issued the following statement:

"Since the stadium is covered, the match is not weather-dependent so it will be played as scheduled.

"No, it won’t be delayed, the game will start as planned regardless of weather.

"We will do everything we can to ensure the safety of fans, but it won’t delay the start of the game if fans are still entering the stadium or are delayed entering due to weather conditions. The roof allows us the ability to play on time regardless of weather."

The winners of the semi-final clash face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Sunday (July 19).