England could face lengthy delays during their World Cup campaign amid growing concerns over extreme weather in the United States.
With thunderstorms expected to pose a threat throughout the tournament, Thomas Tuchel's side may find themselves waiting hours for matches to resume if severe conditions strike host cities.
Tournament organisers are preparing contingency plans for weather disruption, but the Daily Mail says FIFA is reluctant to abandon fixtures entirely, even when delays become significant.
Instead, the governing body is expected to assess each incident individually and attempt to complete matches wherever possible.
That approach could create major headaches for players, supporters and broadcasters alike.
England's group-stage schedule includes late afternoon kick-offs in Boston and New York, two venues where summer thunderstorms are a regular occurrence.
Should severe weather move into the area, matches could be halted for extended periods while officials wait for conditions to improve.
The Three Lions' opening fixture against Croatia is expected to avoid such concerns thanks to the closed-roof stadium in Dallas.
England could face lengthy delays during their World Cup campaign amid growing concerns over extreme weather in the United States
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However, later matches may be far more vulnerable to interruption.
It's suggested that concerns around scheduling and maintaining the integrity of the competition make it highly unlikely that games would be abandoned and replayed on another date.
Instead, the preference is expected to be completing fixtures whenever it becomes safe to do so.
A similar situation unfolded during last year's Club World Cup in the United States.
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England's record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWSChelsea's clash with Benfica in Charlotte was suspended for almost two hours after lightning was detected in the area.
Remarkably, only a matter of minutes remained when the players were ordered from the pitch.
The lengthy delay sparked frustration among those involved, with then-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca questioning whether the country was suitable for hosting major football tournaments.
When play eventually resumed, Benfica scored a dramatic late equaliser before Chelsea ultimately secured a 4-1 victory after extra time.
The contest finally concluded more than four and a half hours after kick-off.
That experience has become an example of the type of disruption teams could face at this summer's World Cup if storms impact key fixtures.
England have already been monitoring weather forecasts closely ahead of upcoming friendly matches in Florida, where thunderstorms are common during the summer months.
There has, however, been some encouragement in recent days.
England players snapped in training as their World Cup campaign prepares to commence
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Forecasts for England's preparatory matches have improved significantly compared with earlier projections, reducing the immediate threat of disruption.
Even so, concerns remain over what could happen once the tournament begins.
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.
They'll then face Ghana and Panama in their other group stage fixtures.