Thomas Tuchel has thrown his weight behind the Football Association’s choice of a boutique hotel in Kansas City as England’s base for the World Cup this summer. The manager believes the intimate setting will help the squad feel at home as they pursue glory in the United States.
The FA selected the four-star, 54-room Inn at Meadowbrook on the Kansas side of the state line, citing its quiet, secluded location. The hotel is close to the Swope Soccer Village training ground, which will serve as the team’s base despite missing a basketball court and swimming pool – both of which will be provided locally. Tuchel praised the decision to avoid large hotels, saying: ‘We chose a hotel where you can open the window, where it’s an intimate and small place.’
Kansas City’s central position in the US was a key factor, as it minimises travel to matches across the country. The Netherlands and Algeria will also set up camp in the region. England will first travel to Florida in early June for a pre-tournament camp, featuring warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
England’s World Cup campaign begins on 17 June against Croatia in Arlington, followed by a second group match against Ghana on 23 June in Massachusetts. Tuchel noted that the players appreciate the late start and condensed schedule, saying: ‘Once you go through the tournament… it will become very condensed. There will be a lot of flights, a lot of time at airports.’
The manager stressed the importance of team chemistry, adding: ‘We have to get our chemistry right. This is the most important.’ The hope is that the familiar, intimate base will foster a strong bond as England aim for the title.
