NHS issues warning to England fans ahead of Panama World Cup game
England are back in World Cup action against Panama on Saturday and the NHS has issued a warning for those planning to watch the game.
Thomas Tuchel will be aiming to get his England side back to winning ways following the drab draw with Ghana and secure top spot in World Cup Group L when they take on Panama.
The Three Lions will be competing in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey - hopefully not for the last time, since that's where the final will be played on July 19 - and will be cheered on by thousands of traveling supporters.
However, the rest of us will have to watch back home in the UK, where temperatures have absolutely skyrocketed this week.
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The 'heatwave dome' has killed hundreds in Europe, while England endured its hottest June day ever recorded as red weather warnings were declared for much of London, the South East and the Midlands.
With the sweltering conditions expected to continue into the weekend, and NHS ambulance chiefs have called for fans to be sensible and safe when watching England.
England fans told to keep hydrated
Millions of England fans will be heading to pubs, and no doubt their beer gardens, all over the country on Saturday, England's first World Cup game to fall on a weekend so far.
Darren Farmer, London Ambulance Service (LAS) - the UK's biggest ambulance service - has called for those watching the match to enjoy alcohol safely in the hot weather.
"We are wishing the Three Lions the best of luck, but if you plan to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly, pace yourself and stay hydrated," he said, as per The Mirror.
"We know from experience that a combination of excitement, tension, alcohol and warm weather can lead to avoidable ambulance callouts.
“The draw against Ghana coincided with a bigger increase in demand than our win against Croatia, so although we know it will be a tense game, we would urge people to behave responsibly. You want to end your night winning and not in the back of an ambulance.”
Craig Harman, LAS chief operating officer, has called for people to keep consuming water, even if they're 'not thirsty', with ambulance services across the land expecting demand to grow significantly as the heat continues.
He said: "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."
England team news vs Panama
England have one major injury doubt ahead of facing Panama, with full-back Reece James in a race to be fit.
The Chelsea captain has played every minute of the tournament so far but suffered a hamstring strain against Ghana.
James missed training on Thursday and trained on his own away from his teammates on Friday as he followed an individual training plan.
It's expected he will not be risked if there are any concerns surrounding his fitness.
In some good news, though, Declan Rice returned to training after missing Thursday's session with a dead leg. However, he too may be rested given he's a booking away from suspension.
Daniel Murphy