A US weather expert has issued a statement ahead of England’s quarter-final against Norway, with the chances of a kick-off delay emerging ahead of Saturday night’s World Cup clash. The Three Lions have become all too familiar with heat, humidity and thunderstorms disrupting their preparations at this summer’s tournament.

On Monday morning, their highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with Mexico was delayed by an hour due to storms in Mexico City, after they had already been forced to deal with the challenges of playing at altitude inside the iconic Azteca Stadium. Against all odds, they swept their previously unbeaten opponents aside in a memorable 3-2 victory, becoming only the third nation to defeat El Tri on home soil in 90 matches.

Now, there are once again murmurs of a potential delay – this time in Florida. But even if there is no suspension to proceedings at Hard Rock Stadium, locals have warned that conditions could make for a challenging evening for both teams, with a little-known “Swamp Ass” warning adding another unusual twist to England’s weather woes.

Weather Expert Issues Little-Known ‘Swamp Ass’ Warning

Credit: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Temperatures in Miami are expected to hit 34C around the scheduled 5pm local kick-off time, with thunderstorms also forecasted. But alarmingly, due to the high humidity, the heat is set to feel close to the mid-40s when the match kicks off. And now a weatherman from Florida has issued a stark warning for those travelling to the Sunshine State. Meteorologist Matt Devitt wrote on X (see below):

Florida’s swampy landscape is the result of its unique geography, flat topography, high water table and subtropical climate. ‘Swamp Ass’ is a local phenomenon directly tied to the relationship between air temperature and relative humidity.

In high humidity, the air is already saturated with water vapor, meaning your body’s sweat cannot easily evaporate to cool you down. This trapped perspiration creates a muggy, humid microclimate in the back of your pants, mimicking the sticky conditions of a tropical swamp, according to the Thigh Society.

Chances of England vs Norway Being Delayed Revealed

Paul Childs via Reuters

Postponement or cancellation of matches becomes an option open to organisers at the temperature expected in Florida this weekend, although it’s not mandatory.

The BBC’s weather predictor is also forecasting thunderstorms shortly before kick-off and during the match, which means the Three Lions currently face even greater chances of a delayed kickoff than they did in their last fixture.

US Sports rules state that lightning within eight miles of the stadium will lead to suspensions in order to protect players and fans. Emergency warnings are in place and play will be delayed by half an hour every time there is a fresh strike within the perimeter.

Officials record WBGT (Wet-bulb globe temperature) readings 90 minutes before kick-off and again one hour before the match at venues considered especially hot or humid.

Manchester United have pulled the plug on a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, despite the player having already undergone a medical ahead of a potential move.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ederson’s move to United is off and the Premier League giants have informed the Italians they will not be proceeding. It’s a shocking turn of events, given that a £38 million deal had been agreed since May.

Ederson has been busy representing Brazil at the World Cup and underwent a medical in the USA. There’s no word on whether the club have concerns about his fitness, but Romano claims Atalanta believe he’s fully fit and are ready to welcome him back into their squad.

Man Utd Pull Out of Ederson Deal

Romano reports that United have changed their plans amid their ongoing midfield overhaul. Ederson looked set to be the first arrival when the club agreed on a package deal with Atalanta two months ago.

As time passed, curiosity grew due to the lack of updates on the transfer, despite an agreement between the two clubs being in place. This was put down to the 27-year-old’s participation in the World Cup and to suggestions that the club intended to conduct its own medical tests in the UK.

United swooped for Andrey Santos on Wednesday, agreeing on a £50m fee with Chelsea for Ederson’s compatriot. This only further cast doubts over the Atalanta man completing a switch to Old Trafford.

Who Does Carrick Turn to Now?

via Reuters

All eyes will be on whom the Red Devils target after deciding against signing Ederson. AS Roma’s Manu Kone has emerged as a target and the club have reportedly initiated talks with the Frenchman’s entourage over a potential move.

Kone has caught the eye at the World Cup, playing an impressive role in France’s surge to the quarter-finals. He could be available for a reasonable fee compared to other midfielders who have been on the move this summer.

United are reportedly still set to sign a marquee midfielder, and perhaps their decision over Ederson stems from a desire to pay big money for a Casemiro replacement. They have missed out on top targets as Elliot Anderson joined rivals Manchester City for £116m while Aurelien Tchouameni is set to sign a new deal with Real Madrid.

Replacing Casemiro has been Carrick’s priority since the transfer window opened. It appears that Santos has been signed instead of Ederson, and there remains a desire to sign a high-profile number six.

A sparring partner who helped Conor McGregor prepare for his long-awaited return bout with Max Holloway at UFC 329 this weekend has revealed what he saw from the Irishman.

Now 37 years old, McGregor hasn’t competed inside the Octagon since he broke his leg in his July 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. ‘The Notorious’ is making his comeback against an opponent in Holloway that he has previously beaten.

McGregor won the August 2013 meeting by unanimous decision. However, 13 years later, he will enter the cage as an underdog against the popular Hawaiian.

McGregor’s UFC 329 Camp Has Been Kept Incredibly Private

Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Little has emerged from McGregor’s camp for the Holloway fight as the Irish superstar sought to keep his preparations under wraps. Such is the secrecy surrounding the team that Conor has reportedly banned his inner circle from even making predictions about the Holloway fight.

However, his striking coach Owen Roddy, who has sparred with McGregor in the build-up to the fight, made an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show to help promote UFC 329. During the interview, Roddy offered a unique insight into what it is like to train with McGregor in 2026.

At the start of his training camp, Conor shocked fans when he insisted that he was going to be sleeping in the gym ahead of his rematch with Holloway.

Roddy, too, conceded that he was initially skeptical, but confirmed that his fighter had been doing just that.

“When I heard he was sleeping in the gym, I thought it was a lie,” joked Roddy. “But he has. I think he just didn’t want any distractions.

Roddy also reflected positively on McGregor’s ability to pick up new techniques quickly. His adaptability was key in his first fight with Holloway as he won the bout despite having an injured knee.

McGregor used his grappling well to keep Max on the ground and grind out a points victory in what was just his second UFC fight.

Roddy remarked: “He has the ability to take a technique and add it to his game very, very quickly. With most fighters, it takes a couple of months. Yeah, he’s got a gift.”

​​​​​​​The ‘Real Reason’ Behind Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Revealed

Asked about McGregor’s mindset after five years away from the Octagon, Roddy was overwhelmingly positive.

“He is a great place in every aspect of his life. He’s excited. He wants to prove a point to the world. An excited and motivated Conor is a very, very dangerous Conor.

“He loves it. Even on the mats in the gym, he loves putting his tools against whoever he’s facing.”

Despite refusing to give an exact prediction, Roddy still expects his man to be victorious at the T-Mobile Arena this weekend.

“Conor’s in a great place and he’ll do what needs to be done to get the win,” he declared.