Sport scientist explains how the conditions in Qatar will affect the England Team in the World Cup
We went to Birmingham City University where they have been testing athlete’s performances in extreme temperatures
Last updated 22nd Nov 2022
England's World Cup journey got off to a good start as they beat Iran 6-2 yesterday.
And the team were able to handle the scorching heat, with temperatures reaching 28-degrees inside the Khalifa International Stadium. Humidity levels also reached around 55%.
Birmingham City University have replicated the environment of Qatar in their Environmental Chamber, where they can change the air temperatures and humidity. They have been looking at the bodies responses to the heat.
The sport science students at the University were able to see what it felt like as they ran 20 minutes inside the Environmental Chamber.
Student Latiana saw her heart rate go from 90 beat per minute to 184 and her temperature rise from 36.5 degree Celsius to 38.7. She said it was a struggle being in there for 20 minutes.
Dr Matt Cole, an Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, told us, "They'll have higher heart rates, due to the high temperatures, which effectively means that they are less efficient in their movement's.
"I think tactically Gareth Southgate will have to be thinking about the impact of the heat on the players' ability to cover the distances and speed typically they might run.
"They will need to think of using other players and more depth in the squad instead of just focusing on a team of 11 and a few substitutes," he said.
England's next match is against the USA on Friday.