England’s players' partners are set to keep a low profile at the World Cup in the United States, in stark contrast to the infamous Wags circus of the 2006 tournament in Germany. Only around half of Thomas Tuchel’s squad can expect family reunions in Dallas, with many partners opting to skip the group stage due to complex logistics, the tournament’s length, and cost.
Most families have based themselves in Miami rather than decamping to Kansas City, where England will play their group games. They will fly in on matchdays to watch the matches in Kansas City, Boston, and New York. The FA has cited travel challenges as a key factor in the diminished travelling party, which is far smaller than in Qatar four years ago.
Unlike predecessor Gareth Southgate, Tuchel will not allow players to meet families the day after matches, another reason partners have chosen to stay in Florida. Early indications suggest little risk of a repeat of the 2006 Wags phenomenon, which saw high-profile partners like Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole dominate headlines with shopping trips and nights out in Baden-Baden.
Most current partners, such as Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland, have kept a low profile. Many have successful careers of their own: Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson works in advertising; Elliot Anderson’s partner is a paralegal; and Reece James’s partner Mia-Florence McClenaghan recently completed a law degree. The England party may not even be the most high-profile group in Miami, with FIFA hosting a summit of 160 member association heads, including Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.
