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Former Liverpool star Emile Heskey believes the unpredictable weather in North America could potentially affect England’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The United States has been experiencing volatile weather in recent days during the international friendlies, ranging from severe heat and humidity to thunderstorms.
England were able to get over the line in both their pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies against New Zealand (June 6) and Costa Rica (June 10), winning 1-0 and 3-0, respectively. However, their fixture against the latter was delayed in Florida due to heavy rain.
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With the FIFA World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, each nation will need to adjust to unpredictable weather conditions. But Heskey is worried about how this may impact the Three Lions’ preparation and performances, telling Grosvenor Casinos Luton (via Tribal Football):
“Weather and humidity will impact England’s performance throughout the tournament. Thomas Tuchel won’t be able to get as much out of his players as he would if they were playing in Europe; they’ll start sweating after walking around for a few minutes, let alone when they start running!”
He added:
“The World Cup should be prepared for abnormal weather; there are many sports played during this time of the year in the United States, and if any part of the world should know how to overcome the climate challenges, it’s North America, because they’re used to it.”
“There was torrential rain before England played Costa Rica; the pitch looked completely flooded an hour before kick-off, but the surface transformed and it looked as if there was no rainfall prior to the match. That said, the potential for games to be delayed due to weather could impact teams and their preparation – especially given how many more nations are competing in this World Cup.”
England have been placed in Group L at the FIFA World Cup and will kick off their campaign against Croatia on June 17. They will then lock horns against Ghana (June 23) and Panama (June 27).
“I think they could do well” – England icon Michael Owen names his favorites and dark horses ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Michael Owen has named France as his favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, waxing lyrical about their individual talent. The former Liverpool forward also believes Germany could be the dark horses and make an impact, but reckons England will disappoint and be eliminated in the quarter or semi-finals.
In an interview with METROOwen said:
“I think France individually are the best team. When you look at their players, they’re miles better than anybody else in terms of individuals. If they play as a team and they’re the best team and probably the likeliest winners.”
He continued:
“I think England will be a quarter-final or a semi-final at best would be my guess, but I have a sneaky feeling that Germany could do well. I think they could do well. So France would be my pick, England to get to the quarters or semis and Germany to be the dark horses.”
France are currently ranked first in the FIFA World Rankings and are one of the big favorites to win the FIFA World Cup. Having won the 2018 edition and lost in the final four years later, Didier Deschamps and Co. know what it takes to make a deep run.
On the other hand, Germany have disappointed over the past two World Cups, exiting in the group stage both times.
Edited by Silas Sud
