England vs Mexico under delay threat as Azteca Stadium placed under new restrictions

England's World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico has been placed under fresh delay threat after thunderstorms forced officials to restrict access to the Azteca Stadium pitch.Thunder, lightning and heavy rain swept across Mexico City roughly three-and-a-half hours before kick-off, raising fresh concerns over whether the knockout tie will be able to start on time.Under electrical storm protocols, nobody is currently permitted to enter the playing surface while lightning remains in the area.The restrictions are expected to stay in place until the weather improves and officials are satisfied it is safe for staff, players and matchday personnel to return pitchside. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Members of the media have also been told to remain inside the media centre because of the conditions, according to The Sun.Supporters were affected too, with fans left waiting outside the stadium after gates failed to open at their scheduled time of 3pm local time.England and Mexico's players are due to arrive around 90 minutes before kick-off, but the worsening weather has ensured the build-up to one of the biggest matches of the tournament has been disrupted.Mexico City has been hit by huge thunderstorms just hours before the game, with similar conditions having already affected the co-hosts earlier in the competition.Mexico's round-of-32 victory over Ecuador at the same venue began an hour late after storms in the area forced organisers to delay kick-off.The forecast had already caused concern before Sunday's match.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Lewis Hamilton makes complaint after 'pretty bad' British Grand PrixThomas Tuchel to make three changes as England team news leaks for Mexico clashBelgium release furious statement after USA star allowed to play despite World Cup red cardFIFA initially considered moving the fixture forward to midday local time, which would have been 7pm BST, in an attempt to avoid the worst of the weather.However, both teams opposed the proposal and the original kick-off time was kept.The Football Association was understood to be reluctant to accept a late change because of the disruption it would have caused England supporters, many of whom had already made travel plans around the scheduled start.Mexico's federation also pushed back against the idea.It has since emerged that security concerns were also behind the request to alter the timing of the match.Celebrations following Mexico's last-32 win over Ecuador ended in tragedy when four people died as police and security forces struggled to control large crowds in Mexico City.Senior Mexican government officials are said to have contacted FIFA to request a change as they sought to avoid a repeat of those scenes.FIFA eventually performed a U-turn after opposition from both national associations.Attention has now returned to the weather, with lightning posing the biggest immediate threat to the fixture.If storm activity continues close to kick-off, England and Mexico could face further disruption before their battle for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals can begin. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter