The Football Association is struggling to find suitable opposition for England's World Cup warm-up matches because of the team's late start to the expanded 48-team tournament. England open against Croatia on 17 June, six days after the tournament's first match, and head coach Thomas Tuchel wants final preparation games as close to that date as possible.
Tuchel has requested friendlies near England's pre-tournament training camp in Florida on 6 and 10 June. However, FIFA regulations prevent World Cup participants from playing friendlies in the final five days before their first match, meaning only teams playing on 16 and 17 June—including two qualifiers from March's intercontinental playoffs—could face England on 10 June.
The FA is in discussions with several national associations, with confirmation expected this month. New Zealand, who have qualified, and Costa Rica, who have not, are under consideration. England have been starved of top-class opposition under Tuchel, making the identity of opponents more significant.
FIFA has relaxed previous regulations that banned teams from playing 48 hours before the tournament start, due to the expanded draw. However, teams remain barred from playing sides in the same group. England's group also includes Ghana and Panama.
England's late start also creates a congested schedule, with eight games in 33 days if they reach the final, and significant travel. Tuchel wants players to have a holiday after the season, though those involved in the Champions League final on 30 May will have no break before the squad flies to Florida on 1 June.
Warm-up games are expected in Orlando and Tampa, before the team moves to Kansas City. The FA has already announced March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.
