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England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina could be set for lengthy delays after severe thunderstorms were forecast to hit Georgia on Wednesday. Thomas Tuchel's side are due to face the reigning world champions at the Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off schedule for 8pm BST (3pm local time).

However, weather forecasts suggest lightning and thunderstorms could strike the city throughout the afternoon and into the early evening, potentially causing a disrupted start to one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the tournament. Under US safety legislation, play cannot begin or continue if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, regardless of whether the match is being played under a roof.

Although Atlanta Stadium's retractable roof will remain closed, officials are obliged to consider the safety of supporters, staff and players when outside the venue. Any lightning strike within the eight-mile perimeter would trigger an immediate suspension, with play only able to restart when 30 minutes have passed without further strikes.

The 30-minute countdown restarts every time a strike is detected, meaning a wave of stormy weather could cause significant delays. Once the all-clear is eventually given, both teams would also require around 15 minutes to warm-up.

That means England's clash against Lionel Messi, who will face the Three Lions for the very first time, could be pushed back several hours. It would not be the first occasion England have been affected by thunder and lightning at this tournament.

The kick-off in their last 16 encounter with Mexico was delayed by an hour, with the match eventually getting underway at 2pm UK time. There had been speculation that kick-off would be moved forward to 7pm UK time from its scheduled 1am slot, but FIFA decided against the change.

England's final preparation match for the World Cup was also affected by thunderstorms, postponing kick-off. The extreme weather has been a significant topic of discussion throughout the competition, with England's quarter-final victory against Norway occurring in 33 degree heat.

England manager Tuchel was dissatisfied with his team's display in that triumph, though star player Jude Bellingham defended the squad in his post-match interview.

"Maybe he [Tuchel] doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against [Erling] Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa and [Alexander] Sorloth," Bellingham said post-match. "They're not an easy team to play against.

"I can't speak highly enough of the lads. You can't win every game popping the ball and making 1,000 passes, sometimes you have to win dirty and we did that today."