Thomas Tuchel has handed his England players a day and a half off with just one rule: no flights. The manager said he trusts them to behave as they unwind before the World Cup.
Having arrived at their base in West Palm Beach on 1 June, the squad have completed intense training sessions in searing heat. They beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up on Wednesday in Orlando, then returned for a behind-closed-doors match against amateur side Miami United, which they won. Once that was over, Tuchel promised time off.
“Tuchel gives England players day off with no flights rule ahead of World Cup.”
Players organised a team-bonding dinner in Miami, though not all will attend; some will stay around West Palm Beach. Tuchel said: “They can almost do what they want. For example, they can’t take a flight because hopefully we have a lot of flights through the tournament.”
The German has tried to nurture a relaxed atmosphere, despite voicing displeasure at half-time during the laboured 1-0 win over New Zealand. Players have enjoyed golf with American five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and European Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter. Families have been allowed into camp, and players’ time has largely been their own after training.
But when they fly to Kansas City on Saturday, the reins will tighten. During major tournaments under former boss Gareth Southgate, players could see family after games and the following day; Tuchel will follow suit, but access to time away will be more limited with greater focus on matches.
“The players are getting one and a half days off to relax and switch off, not only physically but mentally,” Tuchel said. “Then we start the next chapter – the group stage. Everything I have seen of them is a determined group who have a dream but know what it takes. I have full belief and trust that they will not gamble on that.”
England open their World Cup against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. Tuchel has suggested Jude Bellingham could play as a No 9 after using him briefly in that role against Costa Rica, pushing up after Morgan Rogers replaced Harry Kane in the 63rd minute.