England drew 0-0 with Honduras in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup on Saturday night in Miami.
The game was interrupted midway through the first half due to a storm in Miami, with players being forced off for 40 minutes as the officials waited for the inclement weather to pass.
England controlled the match for long periods of the match, and threatened to go ahead on a number of occasions after Brayan Beckeles was dismissed for two yellow cards in a second half which threatened to boil over on a number of occasions, but there was no breakthrough for either side.
Read below to find out how events unfolded on a stormy evening in South Florida.
Good evening everyone. The start of the World Cup is just a few days away, and a number of the hopeful sides will be playing their final warm-up match this evening. England play for the second time this week in Miami as they take on Honduras for the first ever time. I'll be taking you through the action tonight.
There was a fair amount of frustration as England drew 2-2 with Ecuador on Wednesday night, but Roy Hodgson is well aware that these games are all about preparation for the real deal. With that in mind, the England manager has elected to make changes once again.
ENGLAND: Hart, Johnson, Baines, Gerrard, Cahill, Jagielka, Henderson, Rooney, Lallana, Sturridge, Welbeck
HONDURAS: Valladares, Beckeles, Bernardez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Chavez, Garrido, Palacios, Espinoza, Bengtson, Costly
It's 10 changes for England as Hodgson selects the same side which beat Peru at Wembley just over a week ago. Wayne Rooney is the only player to keep his place in the team following the draw with Ecuador, and it appears that Hodgson may have selected the side he perceives as his strongest.
There are some familiar names in the Honduras team for fans of the British game. Hull City's Maynor Figueroa is joined by Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre. Stoke City midfielder Wilson Palacios will do battle with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, while Wigan Athletic's Roger Espinoza is also handed a start.
There has been plenty of talk about which players will face Italy next Saturday, but selecting the same side twice in the past three games suggests that Hodgson may have made his mind up. Raheem Sterling misses out due to suspension tonight, and it remains to be seen whether he can impress enough in training to replace Danny Welbeck before the game in Manaus.
England are firm favourites tonight, but they surely won't have it all their own way against a Honduras side who beat the USA and Mexico on their way to securing a third World Cup appearance. Luis Fernando Suarez can frustrate teams with their discipline, and they'll be desperate for a confidence boosting display tonight.
Honduras will compete in Group E alongside France, Switzerland and Ecuador. It looks a tough ask for Suarez's side, but they will be determined not to be the whipping boys of the tournament this summer. We can expect to see plenty of changes throughout the night as they prepare for that opener with France next Sunday.
You've got a choice of games on Sports Mole tonight. Argentina vs. Slovenia is in the second half, and our coverage is continuing with the South American side currently leading 1-0, while you can also follow the events of Spain's clash with El Salvador. Just click on the game in the live scores box on the right of the page.
It could be a very important night for a couple of players in the England side. Welbeck could be under pressure from the absent Sterling, but the same could be said for Adam Lallana, who has earned a lot of praise since being called up the England team. Hodgson seems to be a big fan of the Southampton ace, but he won't be feeling that his place is safe yet.
Jordan Henderson has once again been selected to play alongside Gerrard, with the Liverpool duo trusted to carry their impressive club partnership onto the big stage this summer. Henderson's fitness and industry in the middle of the pitch is a big positive, and it appears he may have the edge over Jack Wilshere, who still seems to be searching for form following more injury problems in the latter stages of the season.
The team is out to warm-up as the @SunLifeStadium starts to fill up. #EngvHon pic.twitter.com/ikq2mSAQ11
— England (@england) June 7, 2014
There is potentially some good news for England supporters coming from Miami. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was forced off against Ecuador with a knee injury, has arrived at the ground walking without a brace and reports are suggesting that he will definitely travel to Brazil with the rest of the squad. That is a boost for Hodgson.
Injuries have dominated the headlines in recent days, with Marco Reus and Franck Ribery both being ruled out of the tournament. Suarez and Hodgson will both be worried about key players picking up knocks tonight, and we should certainly expect to see plenty of changes made at the break and in the second half.
It's going to be warm one in South Florida, where it is currently approaching 4.30pm. Of course, it will be nothing compared to the conditions that will greet the England players in Manaus next Saturday, but it is a good test of fitness.
PREDICTION: Kickoff is just 15 minutes away at the Sun Life Stadium, so it's time for my prediction. Honduras are unlikely to lay down and accept defeat so close to the start of the tournament, but with the intensity slightly slower than it will be in a week, I'll go for a 3-0 England win.
It may not be a full house for the Miami Dolphins, but the noise levels are beginning to rise inside the stadium as the players head back inside for a final talk with Hodgson and his staff. England will be desperate to make a better start tonight, but we can expect Honduras to be in their faces immediately.
Plenty of Honduras supporters. The big games are yet to arrive, but they'll certainly enjoy the occasion tonight. There will be a number of players eager to secure their place in the team for the France fixture. Can they surprise England tonight?
Both teams are out on the pitch, and it's time for the national anthems. Just over five minutes away from the action in Miami.
A few words from Hodgson before the game begins, the England manager told ITV a moment ago: "Raheem Sterling would have started but unfortunately because he was sent off I can't use him. We are always thinking about Italy and what we have to do. I don't think the shape of the team today will vary greatly from the Ecuador game."
Everything is in place at the Sun Life Stadium. England will get the game started.
It's a fast start to the game as both sides battle for control in the opening minute. England are eager to get their full backs high up the pitch early on.
England dominating possession now, but they're doing so at a slower pace. Looking ahead to next Saturday's game, they'll know that conserving energy is crucial. They cannot afford to give the ball away cheaply.
SHOT! Lovely build up play from England, with Rooney playing a key role. It looks like the move had broken down, before Welbeck fires a loose ball towards goal to force Valladares into a routine save.
England concede the first corner of the game when Johnson is caught in two minds attempting to deal with a long diagonal ball. The ball reaches Bernardez at the back post, but he slices an effort wide.
Honduras coming into the game now as a couple of defensive errors see the ball land at Espinoza's feet, but his chipped cross is gathered by Hart.
England are just struggling to settle despite a promising start to the game. It seems that Honduras are looking to test Johnson, who has been pushed back a couple of times by Izaguirre's runs forward.
Gerrard's drilled ball into the box somehow finds Welbeck, who decides to take a touch in a congested area and is eventually dispossessed just before he plans to shoot at goal. Plenty of good movement from the front four for England as Gerrard fires a long range effort over.
SHOT! Henderson wins a free kick around 35 yards from goal. It appears to be too far out, but Rooney still forces Valladares into an awkward save. Sturridge looks to collect the rebound, but the flag is up for offside.
Both sides have enjoyed spells in charge, with Honduras showing plenty of attacking intent when they do get the ball. There's a worrying moment for England supporters when Rooney holds his leg in pain, but he looks fine to continue.
Lallana manages to win the ball just outside the box, before picking out Rooney, who can't quite get it under control and the move eventually breaks down. Promising few minutes from England.
England win another free kick in an excellent position. It looks like a great opportunity for Baines to unleash one of his trademark efforts, but Gerrard instead chooses to cross the ball. Honduras deal with the immediate danger, and Lallana then fires well wide of the target.
CHANCE! Big opportunity for England. Rooney leads a quick attack before rolling the ball across the box. Welbeck's clever dummy sees the ball reach Sturridge, who drags his shot wide in plenty of space. You would have put all of your money on the Liverpool striker scoring.
MATCH TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED: Just moments after Sturridge had missed a great chance, the game has been brought to a halt. There has been some loud thunder in the past few minutes, and it's gone very dark. Officials have been warned that a storm is on its way, so the referee is refusing to take any risks as he orders the players off the pitch.
It's been warm in Miami today, but it appears that a big storm is about to rain down on the Sun Life Stadium. Supporters have been asked to vacate their seats and take shelter. The suggestion is that the delay could last up to 30 minutes.
The thunder and lightning has certainly arrived, so it's no surprise to see the officials take the safe option. Hopefully the storm passes the stadium as quickly as possible, with only a quarter of the match completed at this stage.
The stoppage gives us a good chance to check on scores elsewhere. El Salvador are currently holding Spain, with neither team managing to find a breakthrough in the first 50 minutes of that game. Dries Mertens has fired Belgium into the lead late on against Tunisia, while Argentina have already beaten Slovenia 2-0.
Officials confirm the match will be delayed for a minimum of 30 mins. Storm apparently 'getting worse' & game could be delayed longer.
— England (@england) June 7, 2014
Match referee Ricardo Salazar has told ITV: "We have lightning strikes within two miles of the stadium so we will wait for 30 minutes and assess the situation then. If we have to delay further, which we hope we won't have to do, then we will. This is all for the safety of the players."
It's certainly not ideal for Honduras or England. The rain is very heavy, but even when the players are called back by the officials there will need to be a period of time allowed for warm-ups. Hodgson and his players fly to Rio later this evening, so how much longer will the officials wait?
Hodgson: "I'm still hopeful the game will re-start & we'll kick on from where we left off. We were controlling the game & had a couple of very good chances. Neither team going hell for leather - but that's understandable."
Despite the rain, which is still coming down very heavily, the England supporters are determined to continue enjoying themselves in the stands. It seems that the thunder and lightning has started to pass the stadium, so there could be some good news coming.
Still no further word from the match officials. It looks a very empty ground in Miami now, but the fans will surely quickly return if the rain disappears soon.
Good news! The players are back out on the pitch to begin a new set of warm ups. It has been confirmed that the game will restart in just under 10 minutes.
The officials are hopeful that the worst of the weather has passed the Sun Life Stadium, so it looks like we will get a full game in Miami. We're in for a slightly longer night than expected.
The game will restart shortly ... #EngvHon pic.twitter.com/DHaa4XqXlr
— England (@england) June 7, 2014
It looks like we're ready to see some more football now. The game will restart with a Honduras goal kick, with around 22 minutes remaining in the first half.
England applying good pressure on the ball, but it's predictably a slightly sluggish restart to the game. It could take some time for players to settle down again.
A longer ball forward brings a mistake from Lallana, but Bengston's effort from the edge of the box is easily saved by Hart. Sturridge takes a blow to the ankle a few moments later. England will keep a close eye on him.
YELLOW CARD! Nasty challenge from Garrido on Gerrard, who is not happy with his opponent. The referee quickly responds by bringing out the yellow card for the first time.
Lovely move from Sturridge, who drifts out to the right before bursting forward to win a corner for his side. Much better pace from England.
England's corner comes to nothing, but they recycle the ball well to find Baines on the left. Everton's full back is caught late as he wins another corner. Fortunately for Baines, he seems to be fine to continue. Honduras survive an extended spell of England pressure.
YELLOW CARD! Izaguirre trips Sturridge, before losing his head for a moment and drilling the ball at the England forward from close range. Henderson and Sturridge are furious, but they do well to not react. It's another booking.
Lallana and Henderson collide with Espinoza to gift Honduras a free kick in a good position 25 yards from goal. Chavez takes responsibility, but he fails to prevent the ball from flying over the crossbar.
We've seen far less of Rooney, Lallana and Welbeck since the restart. Honduras seemed to have settled down the quicker of the two sides, and a few England players are beginning to become frustrated.
It's not quite falling the right way for England in the final third of the pitch. Honduras briefly threaten to launch a counter attack, but some great work from Henderson hands possession back to England. The Liverpool midfielder then gets forward well. Figueroa comes to the rescue for Honduras as he makes a last-ditch tackle to deny his rival.
CLOSE! Much better from England. Welbeck links well with Lallana, who earns himself some space before hitting a deflected effort just wide of the target.
A risky pass from Rooney to Jagielka causes problems at the back. Palacios steals possession just outside the box, but his effort drifts past the post via a deflection from Cahill. Hart fails to reach the corner which follows, however, the danger eventually passes.
HALF TIME: A first half, which included a 40-minute delay, is eventually brought to an end by the referee. It's still goalless in Miami, with Sturridge's miss just before the storm the best chance either side have managed to create.
In truth, this game could probably do without another break. It's not helping the flow of the match, but Hodgson will be hopeful of seeing some more fluency from his players in attacking areas. Both managers could elect to make changes now, with six substitutions available.
England have been unhappy with a few of the challenges made by Honduras since the game restarted. Gerrard, Baines and Sturridge, while Izaguirre is perhaps lucky to still be on the pitch after kicking the ball at the Liverpool forward from close range. No injuries yet, though.
It looks like changes could be on the way, with Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley out on the pitch going through a warm-up. Barkley has the potential to make a difference in a game like this one. There isn't much space between the defenders and midfielders for Honduras, so Barkley's runs from deeper positions could cause problems.
There's been glimpses of great football from England's attacking players, but, as expected, the defending has been questionable at times once again. England have taken a few too many risks in dangerous areas. However, Honduras have been unable to take advantage.
SUBSTITUTIONS: The players are back out on the pitch, and there has been some changes. Barkley and Wilshere are on, with Rooney and Gerrard making way as Hodgson looks ahead to next week's clash with Italy. Jorge Claros is off the bench for Honduras as a replacement for Garrido.
SHOT! Brilliant start to the second half from Barkley, who exchanges passes with Lallana before curling the ball just past the post from 25 yards.
YELLOW CARD! Bernardez is the third Honduras player to be booked following a late challenge on Barkley. England dominating possession in the early stages of the second half.
Welbeck earns some space on the left, but he makes the wrong decision at the vital time and is eventually dispossessed. Strurridge wanted the ball. He's not pleased with his teammate.
YELLOW CARD! Hodgson is furious, and rightly so. Beckeles lunges in with a terrible tackle on Welbeck. The Manchester United does well to avoid the contact, but it's not a great challenge to see so close to major tournament.
SHOT! England are looking after the ball much better than they were in the first half. A clever turn from Barkley opens up the pitch and he chooses to pick out Sturridge, who chips the ball just wide with an audacious effort.
Great football from England, with Sturridge and Welbeck the creators. Wilshere gets forward and picks out the run of Barkley, who is brilliantly dispossessed by Izaguirre. Excellent defending.
SAVE! Clever play from Lallana to force his way into the box. A tackle sees the ball break loose to Welbeck, whose poke at goal is well blocked by Valladares. Barkley keeps the move going, but his strike sends the ball over the crossbar.
SUBSTITUTION: Chavez limps off, but it doesn't look too serious. Andy Najar is on as his replacement.
YELLOW CARD! Lallana is the latest player to pick up a booking, despite not catching Espinoza. Beckeles drills the free kick which follows wide of the target.
England have certainly looked more dangerous at times in the second half, but the wrong pass has been played too many times in the final third of the pitch. Italy won't be as forgiving next week.
RED CARD! Madness from Beckeles. The Honduras defender goes up to challenge Baines, but he extends his arm dangerously to catch the Everton full back. What was he thinking? Good refereeing, as he's correctly sent off for a second yellow card.
England have the opportunity to make it difficult for Honduras now. Gaps will begin to appear, but England need to make better decisions in attacking areas. A lovely Henderson pass almost creates a chance, but Lallana fails to control the ball in the box.
SUBSTITUTION: Costly's worked hard in attack, and he's given a rest for the closing stages as Edder Delgado is introduced.
YELLOW CARD! Cahill goes up for the header, but he's adjudged to have been too forceful with his challenge on Bengston. It's a booking for the centre back.
CHANCE! Much, much better from England, who should be ahead. Barkley, Henderson and Wilshere are all involved before the ball is moved out wide. Johnson clips in an inch-perfect cross, but Sturridge fails again as he heads over from a few yards out.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Changes for both sides. Jerry Palacios is off the bench to replace Bengston, while Fraser Forster will finish the match in goal as Hart jogs off. Jagielka is now England captain.
YELLOW CARD! Baines is furious, and so is his manager judging by the pictures. A few rough challenges frustrate the England manager before Palacios goes down without appearing to be touched by a Baines tackle. It's a yellow for the full back.
SUBSTITUTION: Rickie Lambert gets the chance to add to his goals tally when he's introduced to replace Welbeck.
Barkley is involved again as he earns himself some space before finding Henderson, who fires wide from 25 yards out. Can England find a breakthrough?
England continuing to apply most of the pressure, but it's been a bit too narrow at times. They're certainly missing the likes of Sterling and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who can add that pace on either wing.
SUBSTITUTION: Henderson is given a well deserved rest following a good display in midfield, and he's replaced by Frank Lampard.
SUBSTITUTION: Honduras enjoy a rare spell on the ball as we enter the final few minutes of normal time in Miami, but there's a lack of cutting edge to their play. Juan Carlos Garcia is off the bench to replace Espinoza.
England continue to fall at the final hurdle as another move breaks down on the edge of the box. Honduras threaten to break forward, but tired legs forces Izaguirre to unleash a long-range effort, which is easily saved by Forster.
Good goalkeeping from Valladares as he rushes off his line to deny Lallana, who was looking to collect Wilshere's slightly under hit pass inside the box. It looks like this game will finish goalless.
SUBSTITUTION: Mario Martinez is the final player to come off the bench as Izaguirre makes way. Four minutes of stoppage time to be played.
Clever flicks on show once again from Barkley, but Lampard fails to keep the move going when his through ball is intercepted. Figueroa attempts to roll back the years with an effort from his own half. No trouble for Forster.
It looks like there will be no way through for England. Honduras have battled well since falling behind.
FULL TIME: ENGLAND 0-0 HONDURAS
Honduras performed admirably, and have managed to claim a draw this evening in game disrupted by a storm earlier this evening. England looked impressive at times, but they were unable to add a clinical touch in the final third of the pitch. However, the real business starts next Saturday, when England take on Italy in Manaus. Honduras begin their campaign against France next Sunday.
Thanks for joining me for a slightly longer night than expected. Remember to follow the World Cup with us throughout the next month as we bring you news, reports, reaction and live text coverage from all of the games in Brazil. Goodnight everyone.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
