England will face a new challenge at the World Cup when they take on Norway in their quarter-final clash in Miami, with extreme heat expected to play a major role in the match.

The Three Lions have largely avoided harsh weather conditions during their tournament campaign in North America. Their fixtures have included indoor stadium matches in Dallas and Atlanta, while their outdoor games in Boston, New Jersey, and Mexico City were played in cooler and more comfortable conditions.

However, Saturday’s quarter-final encounter is expected to be a completely different test. The match, scheduled for 22:00 BST, could take place in temperatures considered potentially dangerous by the global players’ union, which has raised concerns about player safety during extreme heat.

Norway may enter the match with an advantage in dealing with such conditions. They have played almost all of their World Cup matches outdoors, with their only exception being their last-32 victory over Ivory Coast at the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium.

The weather conditions could add another tactical element to the highly anticipated quarter-final, with both teams needing to manage energy levels, hydration, and physical demands throughout the match.

While England have impressed throughout the tournament, Norway’s greater experience playing in hot outdoor environments could prove significant as both sides compete for a place in the semi-finals.