England players were put through their paces in a rare open training session on Saturday, offering insight into Thomas Tuchel's demanding methods. The German head coach, wearing a hoodie against the Missouri sun, oversaw a drill focusing on accelerating play and moving through the lines, with mannequins arranged in four zones. Tuchel, known for measuring grass height, loudly instructed players on which foot to use for control, targeting full-back Djed Spence with a sharp "Open up. It's been five minutes already, Djed. Come on!"
Intensity and Perfectionism on Display
Tuchel's perfectionism was evident as he zeroed in on a group including Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Djed Spence, and Ollie Watkins. The drill required players to pass through mannequins with only two touches, first through the middle to entice a press, then shifting wide. Dan Burn, speaking later, noted Tuchel's honesty: "If he sees something that he doesn't like he calls it out." The clarity is refreshing, Burn added, and the intensity rose under Tuchel's watch.
Tuchel is big on players controlling the ball with the correct foot, wanting everyone to know teammates' favoured feet. This speeds up play and opens up the body to pass beyond opponents. The aim is to play like a Premier League side: with speed, intensity, and physicality, addressing England's historical struggles against high pressing teams. The session was a stark contrast to typical anodyne open training at tournaments.
Tuchel and Barry's Double Act
Assistant coach Anthony Barry also drove intensity, pressing players and delivering a stream of instructions. Barry, who gave a searing half-time interview critiquing England's first 45 minutes against Croatia, is known for his directness. Burn, who knew Barry from Wigan Athletic, said: "There's no grey areas with Baz and the manager. They just say it how it is. That's all you want as a player."
England's players buy into Tuchel's methods, but there is room for levity. The team hotel offers basketball and backgammon, and Burn has been trying to learn the card game Wolf. On Friday, Harry Kane, Jason Steele, and Burn attended an Ella Langley concert, with Burn donning a cowboy hat and boots. "If you're going to do it, do it properly," he said. But focus returned quickly: "Today it's focused back on football."
Preparing for Ghana
England's training aimed to replicate the attacking burst that blew Croatia away after half-time in their opening World Cup game. Tuchel's methods are designed to ensure no hiding place, with every player expected to execute under pressure. The team faces Ghana next, and with Rashford and Rice boosting the squad, the intensity in training bodes well for the match.
