England fans made their feelings clear during the Three Lions' World Cup clash with Ghana, loudly booing the decision to take a hydration break in the first half. The pause, which is mandatory for every match at this year's tournament, came just a few moments after a previous stoppage in which England defender Reece James and Ghana striker Jordan Ayew both received medical treatment following a clash of heads.
The match was goalless at the time, with England attempting to break down Ghana's compact and deep defensive shape. To make matters worse, rain had poured down in Boston for most of the day leading up to kick off and there were lingering showers by the time the match began, with temperatures more similar to those in England around 18 degrees Celsius.
Fifa has defended the hydration breaks, insisting they are necessary to ensure 'equal conditions' for all teams. However, critics argue that they severely disrupt the natural flow of the game and are a cynical manoeuvre to divide matches into four quarters, thereby creating more lucrative advertising opportunities for broadcasters.
England supporters also booed the hydration breaks during the Three Lions' opening game of the tournament against Croatia, and it seems they are not alone in their discontent. The issue is set to be a contentious one throughout the tournament.
In other news, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police and is awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.