Reece James says patience and calm are the only options after England’s final World Cup warm-up match in Orlando between England and Costa Rica was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms.
England’s Reece James started against Costa Rica (Image: Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Reece James has warned England fans to get used to weather delays. England were caught in a storm during their final pre-World Cup friendly in Orlando, with kick-off delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms.
As a result, TV viewers were left waiting for the match while England fans in the United States had to take shelter from the heavy rain. England’s players stayed in a hotel 10 minutes away until it was clear the game was going to kick off.
This is common in the United States, where there are strict rules against thunderstorms: You cannot go outside for 30 minutes after a lightning strike, and you cannot resume play until 30 minutes have passed unless there is lightning within a 10-mile radius.
There are hotspots across America, and FIFA expects delays, so armchair viewers had better get used to it, but all matches will be completed and only put on hold until they finish. It’s a new concept for England fans, but one James got used to at last summer’s Club World Cup.
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Chelsea went off the pitch for nearly two hours during their match against Benfica when they were leading 1–0 with five minutes remaining, but the Portuguese equalized when the players returned from the changing rooms. Chelsea ultimately won, but the match took four hours and 38 minutes to complete. James said England would just get used to it.
Chelsea captain James said: “Well, it’s very different playing in Europe. With the delays and the weather, we’re trying to keep the rest of the team informed and trying to be patient and calm.
“We weren’t at the stadium while the match was being played. We stayed in the hotel a little bit more. Well, it’s difficult. We just have to rest a little bit more, just relax and wait for the call to go.”
“We had some delays last year, but that’s something both teams have to deal with and we just have to be as best prepared as we can for what’s coming. Accepting that is part of it. Like I said, it’s the same for both teams. It’s not just about us and we’re preparing as best we can.”
England match delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms (Image: 2026 The FA)
“I think we’ll talk about the delay again. It’s a delay, but a delay in the middle of a game is not the same as not starting the game. It was difficult last year to have to stop the game in the 85th minute when you were leading 1-0. I hope we don’t have to put up with it this year.”
James has been friends with the club since their days at Chelsea and is clearly Thomas Tuchel’s first choice at right-back. However, James showed against Costa Rica that he is fit, healthy and never likes anyone questioning his ability to play in back-to-back games after his injury problems.
He was also completely convinced England could win the World Cup and loved Tuchel’s confident speech about “climbing the mountain”. “I can play in the 90s three times a week. I came back at the end of last season and played the last few games and I’m feeling good,” James added.
Reece James is fully fit and looking forward to the future (Image: Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
“As you said, I think timing is everything. I’ve missed some major tournaments. I’ve been trying to prepare and be as ready as I can for this tournament, and I’m going to give my best for my country.”
“I had a great time with the manager at Chelsea and I’m glad he’s the manager. I’m happy to be working with him. Certainly, that’s why we’re here. We didn’t come to join and as we speak we’re on top of the mountain and we’re still climbing. There’s certainly still room to go.”
“It’s good that the fans are in good spirits, but the tournament hasn’t started yet so there’s a long way to go.”
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