Arizona Tribune - England World Cup warm-up friendly delayed by storm

Torrential rain and lightning left the pitch at the at the Inter&Co Stadium heavily waterlogged ahead of the planned 4pm (2000 GMT) kick-off time.

"Today's game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando. We'll provide further updates as soon as we have them," the English Football Association said in a statement.

The match could be further delayed by another 30 minutes if there is another lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

Delays were prominent feature of the Club World Cup in the United States 12 months ago and could have a major impact on the largest ever World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

England chose to have two friendlies in Florida to acclimatise to the searing heat they will face once the tournament gets underway.

The Three Lions will then travel to their base camp in Kansas City.

Considered among the favourites despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.

Thomas Tuchel's side also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.

S.Jackson--AT