England fans receive World Cup warning amid UK heatwave

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

England fans have been urged to be cautious when supporting the nation in their final World Cup group stage match on Saturday night due to the current heatwave in Europe.

Thomas Tuchel’s side face Panama in New York City at 22:00 BST and they remain in pole position to win Group L despite a 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday.

A win is likely to be enough to secure first place unless Ghana beat Croatia by a handsome margin, although the Three Lions’ preparation has been rocked by reports that Declan Rice and Reece James may both be ruled out through injury.

While highs of 26C are predicted in New York on Saturday, the vast majority of European countries are currently experiencing a major heatwave, and England supporters have been told to act carefully during the hours leading up to the match as a result.

As per The Met Office, temperatures are understood to have reached 36.7C on Thursday 26 June, making it the UK’s hottest day in June on record, while it’s reported that London reached 36C.

It’s expected to be slightly cooler on Saturday, but only marginally and England fans have been warned ahead of their clash against Panama, with millions expected to watch the match at pubs or bars.

England fans receive warning ahead of Panama clash

The London Ambulance Service responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies of all time on Wednesday and Chief Operating Officer Craig Harman has urged England supporters to act with caution on Saturday.

“I'm saying to people I need you to drink water even when you're not thirsty, staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and particularly not exercising outside and putting your body under additional heat and strain,” he said (via BBC News).

Meanwhile, Dr Wesley Tensel, medical director for Prestige Private Health, told The Independent: “The simplest advice is to pace yourself. Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, eat properly before drinking, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate.

“The aim is to remember the match and not end up with a trip to A&E.”

If England beat Panama and top Group L, they will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32 next Wednesday.