England is set to take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Round of 32 World Cup match today in Atlanta, where temperatures have recently exceeded 38 degrees Celsius. The game will kick off at 5 p.m. GMT, allowing younger fans in England to watch at a convenient time after school.

The match will be held indoors with the stadium roof closed and air conditioning in use, providing relief for players and spectators from the intense heat. Local authorities have prepared for the weather by setting up 30 hydration stations throughout the venue and distributing thousands of free water bottles to attendees.

England's squad, managed by Thomas Tuchel, includes striker Marcus Rashford, who is expected to face off against DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe. The two players share a history, having played together during their youth in England. England enters the match as the clear favorite with odds of 1-3.

Fans have already started arriving early to avoid the peak heat. Chris Melville, an England supporter from Stafford, described a strong presence of English fans in Atlanta and noted the challenging conditions, mentioning the high cost of refreshments at the stadium, with beers priced at $18 each.

Back in England, excitement for the match is high among schoolchildren. Chris Spratt, head of Loudwater Combined School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, commented on the enthusiasm among students eager to watch the Three Lions compete on the global stage.

The game represents a significant knockout hurdle for England as they seek to advance further in the tournament, facing a Congolese team eager to upset expectations amid challenging environmental conditions.