Mexico vs England weather forecast: Thunderstorms predicted that threaten to delay kick-off at Azteca

England fans are bracing for little sleep as severe weather threatens to delay their World Cup clash with Mexico.

The Three Lions have arrived in Mexico City for a huge last 16 match against the co-hosts, which will be live on talkSPORT.

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Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time, which is 1am on Monday for those watching in the UK, despite plans to change the timings.

FIFA were set to bring it forward by six hours due to the looming threat of thunderstorms around kick-off.

However, following angry backlash from both Mexico and England, a U-turn was made and the original kick-off time remains in place.

It means England fans will have to wait until the early hours for the match to begin, although it might not necessarily be at 1am…

What is the weather forecast for Mexico v England?

The Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, which is the national weather organisation in Mexico, have given their outlook for the match.

At the time of writing, there is an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms from 4pm in Mexico City, so two hours before kick-off.

This is set to continue through to 5pm and, although the probability decreases to 60 per cent, 6pm.

Weather can be very unpredictable, so it is possible that the outlook could change for the better as we approach the match.

However, as it stands, disruption looks likely, and England fans could be set for a long night of World Cup action.

Could Mexico v England be delayed?

As it stands, there is a very real chance that kick-off will be delayed.

Servicio Meteorologico Nacional

Mexico are no strangers to a delay as their 2-0 last 32 match against Ecuador was pushed back by an hour due to a thunderstorm.

The main concern is lightning, with rules in the United States saying play must be stopped if a strike hits within eight miles of a stadium.

Players would then leave the pitch and fans would seek shelter in the stands, with a 30-minute countdown commencing.

If there is another lightning strike within eight miles of the stadium, then this countdown resets.

Once 30 minutes have passed without a strike, then fans are able to head back to their seats and the players can return to the pitch.

FIFA reportedly cannot make their own rules on these circumstances and must follow the advice provided by local authorities.

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How could the altitude affect England?

The match against Mexico is being played at Estadio Azteca, which is around 2,200 metres above sea level.

Although it is more common at 2,500 metres and above, altitude sickness has symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and dizziness.

However, England players would be able to use Viagra to help combat these issues amid concerns over not being able to acclimatise.

It is mostly known for treating erectile dysfunction but can also be a fix for high blood pressure.

Viagra widens blood vessels in the lungs, which is key at high altitude amid a thin atmosphere and low concentration of oxygen.

The drug would help fight against dizziness and fatigue, and it is not listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.