Former England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson has backed Thomas Tuchel's side to advance past Norway in the World Cup quarterfinal, despite warning about the extreme weather conditions in Miami.
The match takes place on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p. m.
local time.
Robinson, working as a co-commentator for BBC Radio Five Live, recently traveled from Mexico City after England's 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
He described the Azteca as an incredible venue that immediately brought back memories of Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in 1986.
“It takes your breath away. It's incredible.
The first thing you think of as an England fan growing up is obviously the Hand of God, Maradona, in 1986,” Robinson said.
The pundit noted that the intense atmosphere and a rain delay during the round of 16 match left him emotionally and mentally drained by the final whistle.
Reflecting on the tournament overall, Robinson praised the American public and the organization across North America.
“Say what you like about the Americans and football, but they certainly know how to put on a show.
There's not one stadium I've walked into and been disappointed,” he remarked.
He also shared an unusual experience of watching other knockout matches on a Delta flight while traveling between host cities.
“We watched the Germany-Paraguay game, myself and John Murray, sat there on a plane!
To be sitting there and hear the reaction to the penalties being taken from other people on the plane, cheering, it was a surreal experience!”
Robinson recalled.
Weather Concerns and Team Confidence
Looking ahead to the quarterfinal, Robinson warned that the intense humidity at the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins will pose the ultimate test for England.
“Having spent two days in Miami now, this is going to be the most difficult game that England have had - simply due to the conditions.
It's absolutely sweltering and it's the humidity that's the problem,” he said.
Robinson noted that England have been lucky with conditions so far, with two of their outdoor games played in pouring rain and others in indoor stadiums.
“This is going to be the most challenging due to the conditions.
It's obviously going to be the same for both, but Norway played in similar conditions against Brazil in New York,” he added.
Despite the weather, Robinson believes England are huge favorites, citing the confidence gained from the Mexico victory and the team's togetherness.
“You talk about growing into a tournament, but the camaraderie, the togetherness and what we saw in the tunnel and around the dressing room areas after that game, that will have brought them together even more.
With that confidence, for me, they're huge favourites going into this game,” Robinson concluded.
The match features a highly anticipated matchup between Arsenal teammates Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, alongside Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has scored in all four tournament games for the first-time quarterfinalists after they eliminated Brazil.
The Football Supporters' Association confirmed that their Fans' Embassy helpline will operate 24/7 around the match.
