Thunderstorms are forecast to hit Miami hours before kick-off of the World Cup bronze final between England and France on Saturday, raising the possibility of a delay to a match neither side relished playing just days after devastating semi-final defeats.
England’s campaign came crashing to earth in the closing minutes of their last-four defeat by Argentina in Atlanta. Now Thomas Tuchel’s side must drag aching limbs to Miami for the third-place playoff — a fixture few players relish. England head coach Tuchel faced the media to preview the match, which follows 102 matches across 48 teams travelling to 16 cities in a World Cup that has drawn comparisons to an epic saga, with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opening to acclaim in UK cinemas this week.
“Thunderstorms threaten to delay England's World Cup bronze final against France in Miami on Saturday.”
The same weekend brings the Tour de France stage 14, winding into the Jura mountains for a 155.3km day of challenging climbs, including the category-one Grand Ballon and the Ballon d’Alsace, finishing at Le Markstein Fellering. Tanya Aldred helms the rolling liveblog. In golf, Rory McIlroy visited Royal Birkdale weeks ago when the course was green and lush; now it is heatwave-parched and yellow, making it harder to control shots running along the fairway.
Rugby’s Nations Championship also continues: Wales face world champions South Africa after a 35-21 loss to Argentina in San Juan and a 73-0 thrashing by the Springboks in Cardiff in November. England have their own date with Argentina at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, the final assignment of their 25,000-mile July tour.
But the headline story remains the weather threat in Miami. The storm could add a chaotic twist to an already emotional game as England seek to end a campaign on a high note.