England’s World Cup squad spent their first evening in Kansas City confined to their hotel after storms prompted emergency alerts described as a “deadly” tornado warning. The Three Lions are based in the midwestern city before flying to Dallas for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
While the squad hunkered down, pundits back home debated Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI. Former England forward Alan Shearer admitted he “hates doing stuff like this” but picked a team he believes is “the most well-balanced to set the tournament up.” His XI includes Jordan Pickford, Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane. Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson said Bellingham “has shown in the past two warm-up games why he should start” but noted it is “so close between him and Morgan Rogers.”
“England squad confined to hotel after deadly tornado warning as World Cup opener approaches with £13.84 beer.”
Fans lucky enough to secure tickets face a different kind of shock at the concessions. A normal draft pint of beer (16oz) costs $18.50 (£13.84) – more than at other World Cup venues. Water is $8.25 (£6.20), though fans are permitted to bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle, albeit with the lid removed upon arrival. Food prices are equally steep: chicken nuggets will set supporters back $23 (£17.15), while nachos cost $16 (£11.95).
As England finalise preparations, the question of whether Bellingham or Rogers gets the nod remains unresolved. But for the fans travelling to Dallas, the biggest selection headache may be whether to splash out on a £13.84 pint or stick with water that costs nearly as much as a round elsewhere.