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Health authorities have issued strong warnings to England supporters as the nation braces for extreme heat ahead of Saturday’s World Cup fixture.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad is set to face Panama in New Jersey, aiming to secure their qualification for the round of 36 in convincing fashion.

However, with the match kicking off at 10 pm local time, medical experts have cautioned that fans could be at risk of dehydration, fainting, and even heatstroke after consuming alcohol throughout the day in the blazing sun.

Dr Wesley Tensel, a private general practitioner and medical director at Prestige Private Health, explained that the mix of hot weather and alcohol can easily “catch people out.”

He elaborated that, in addition to losing fluids through sweating during the heatwave, alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and further fluid loss.

“That combination together can be a double whammy,” he said, noting that it elevates the likelihood of dizziness, dehydration, and heat exhaustion.

Dr Tensel also pointed out that the late start time could encourage fans to drink for longer periods before the game, and even as temperatures cool later in the evening, recovery can be difficult if the body is already dehydrated.

He urged supporters to watch for warning signs such as dark urine, nausea, and unusual fatigue — all indicators of dehydration — but emphasised that prevention is the best approach.

“The simplest advice is to pace yourself,” he advised. “Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or soft drinks, eat properly before drinking, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate.

“The goal is to enjoy the match without ending up in the emergency department.”

The warnings follow a week of record-breaking heat across England. The Met Office reported that temperatures climbed to 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday afternoon, provisionally marking the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK.

On Friday, a senior official from the country’s largest ambulance service also urged the public to drink responsibly and avoid outdoor exercise amid the intense heatwave.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) reported its highest number of life-threatening emergency calls ever on Wednesday, and chief operating officer Craig Harman said they expect “demand to grow day on day over the next couple of days.”

He recommended that people drink “plenty of water” between alcoholic drinks.

Speaking to the Press Association, Harman emphasised that the heat affects not only older people or those with existing health issues. “I’m asking everyone to drink water even when you’re not thirsty, stay indoors during the hottest hours, and avoid exercising outside, as that puts your body under extra heat and strain,” he said.

LAS reported a 50 per cent surge in life-threatening emergency calls compared with a typical Wednesday in June, including a 30 per cent increase in cardiac arrests.

Police forces across England have also issued reminders for motorists not to drink or take drugs before driving after the match, stressing that the effects of alcohol can linger well into the following morning.

Some officers have been conducting random patrols the morning after England games to catch drivers who are still over the legal limit.

Inspector Matt Boiles from Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing Unit said one of the “biggest misconceptions” encountered by officers is people assuming they are fit to drive simply because they have had a few hours of sleep.

“Going to bed doesn’t wipe the slate clean,” he said. “Sleep, coffee and a shower do not remove alcohol from your system – only time does.

“If you’ve spent the evening drinking while watching football, there’s a real chance you might still be over the legal limit the next morning. Someone who drinks six pints during and after the match may still be over the limit when they wake up.”

He added: “Our advice is straightforward – if you’re drinking, don’t drive. Plan your journey home ahead of time and think about how you’ll travel where you need to be the next morning.”