England stars swapped the training pitch for the golf course in Florida, enjoying a round with five-time Major champion Brooks Koepka as Thomas Tuchel’s squad ramps up World Cup preparations.
Captain Harry Kane organised the special outing with the LIV Golf ace, who has won the US Open and PGA Championship twice. The Bayern Munich striker was joined by John Stones, Jordan Pickford, Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Jason Steele, who joined as an extra specialist training goalkeeper.
“Harry Kane organised a golf outing with Brooks Koepka for England's World Cup squad during Florida training.”
Anderson revealed the players were left stunned after sharing the course with one of golf’s biggest names. “We had a plus one – we had Koepka on and it was amazing,” he told England’s social media channels. “Harry sorted it. He must know him. It was mint. He was so good, and he put me to shame. I was nervous on the tee box but I did all right.”
Tuchel is believed to be keen on creating a club-like atmosphere during the squad’s lengthy stay in the United States. England’s stars have also been spending time with family and friends to relax before the tournament begins.
But it will be back to business now, as the team face Costa Rica tomorrow for their final friendly preparations. The i newspaper notes Tuchel needs to cast aside experiments and take the wraps off his tournament picks. Jordan Pickford is untouchable, John Stones needs minutes so has to play, and Elliot Anderson’s energy will be useful alongside Declan Rice.
England’s first World Cup game is on June 17 against Croatia, before facing Ghana on June 23 and rounding off the group stages against Panama on June 27.