England face a tough World Cup quarter-final test against Erling Haaland’s Norway but Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to contend with the conditions in Miami too.
Beyond the heat and humidity, England may have to contend with worse air quality than their Kansas City training base, having travelled across the United States ahead of tonight’s match at the Miami Stadium.
That’s because a fresh plume of Saharan dust has come across the Atlantic, settling in South Florida, creating a hazy backdrop in the skies of major cities.
It may also mean a temporary drop in air quality, with the dusty air mass, known as the Saharan Air Layer, arriving in South Florida regularly over the years from spring to August.
The issue is at its worst from June to July. And while the biggest effect is visually, with the prospect of some stunning sunsets, there can be a physical impact too.
The fine particles can cause asthma flare ups, with allergies and other respiratory conditions potentially impacted too.
Another effect of the dry air is how it could suppress afternoon thunderstorms, which have proven to be an issue at the World Cup this summer, with France v Iraq and Mexico v England forced to deal with delays.
That could mean hotter conditions, but there would also be a less humid-feeling from the dry air.
While Ollie Watkins has contended with asthma all his life, the Three Lions forward remains comfortable with the common condition alongside his job as a professional athlete and has discussed how a routine has helped him cope with it through his career.
“I have asthma, it’s always been a think in my life, I grew up with it,” the Aston Villa striker told Sky Sports in 2024. “My chest would tighten up and I’d need an inhaler. I’m used to it.”
