Heat could be key factor in England’s World Cup performance, says Middlesex sports science expert

England stars may have to use more tactical play to cope with high temperatures

As the England team prepare for their match against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup today (June 17), a Middlesex University sports science expert warns the heat could be one of their main opponents.

Dr Luke Oates, an Associate Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science at the University’s London Sport Institute (LSI), said athletes, coaches and organisers will need to carefully manage the risks associated with competing in hot and humid conditions during the tournament.

The England match kicks off at 3pm local time in Dallas, Texas, where afternoon temperatures have reached the low 30Cs, with humidity making it feel even hotter (although the stadium does have a retractable roof to make conditions safer). The team’s match against Panama on 27 June may be more of a challenge in the MetLife Stadium near New York without the benefits of a retractable roof.

Athletes can be vulnerable because intense exercise raises the heart rate, body and skin temperature. Research has suggested that when core body temperature exceeds 40°C, concerns increase about the potential for serious heat-related illness. Different sports have their own temperature thresholds and guidance, but FIFA has previously highlighted concerns when temperatures reach around 28°C. Many World Cup host cities are expected to exceed this level, particularly during afternoon matches.

Dr Oates, who is based at the LSI’s West Stand facilities at the Saracen’s StoneX Stadium, said: “Both high-performing athletes and recreational exercisers should take exposure to heat seriously when exercising. While most athletes will cope safely, elevated temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related illness, ranging from mild symptoms such as dizziness and nausea to more serious conditions including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Serious illness is rare, but sports organisations take safety in these conditions very seriously.”

Some of the football teams might adjust their play in hot conditions by reducing high-intensity efforts. In football, this can mean fewer sprints, lower overall distances covered and a greater emphasis on ball retention and tactical control.

To reduce risks, FIFA has introduced safety measures, including extra cooling breaks during matches, adjustments to kick-off times to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and the use of covered stadiums with cooling systems where possible.

“These measures will help, but preparation is also important,” said Dr Oates. "The more athletes can train and compete in similar environmental conditions, the more acclimatised they become.”

Heat acclimatisation can be a challenge for nations such as England and Scotland, where athletes are not routinely exposed to periods of extreme heat. England's players have incorporated heat preparation into their training programmes, including the use of environmental chambers designed to simulate hot conditions. Their World Cup training base, in Miami, which has hot and humid conditions, will have prepared them for matches in cities with similar climate conditions.

Players can also use cooling strategies before and during matches, including drinking cold fluids, wearing ice vests or cooling garments before kick-off and at half-time, and using ice towels and fans during breaks in play.

Dr Oates also urged recreational exercisers to take sensible precautions during periods of hot weather. He said: “Avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day between midday and 4pm. Keep well hydrated and drink cold fluids, wear light-coloured clothing, and exercise in shaded areas. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous or unwell, move into the shade or inside an air-conditioned building and have cold drinks to cool down.”

Older adults are among the groups at greater risk from heat-related illness, an area currently being investigated by Dr Oates with colleagues at Middlesex University. "We have recently published a pilot study that showed how heat acclimatisation improved exercise performance in healthy older adults, and we are looking to do further research.”

Find out about studying at the London Sport Institute.

Photo by Rhett Lewis on Unsplash.