England's World Cup training base in Kansas City has received a glowing endorsement from former US Men's National Team defender Matt Besler. The Kansas native trained at the facility with Sporting KC for roughly a decade.
Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions have played friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica so far, winning both before their campaign begins next Wednesday. On June 13, the team will head to the Midwest and their base for the tournament.
Swope Soccer Village will be where England train throughout the World Cup, serving as a hub for travel to and from matches while staying at the Inn at Meadowbrook. The $20 million complex features three natural grass pitches and is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym and treatment areas.
While there may be larger centres in the Kansas City area, Besler believes that Swope will be a perfect, private place for England's stars to be put through their paces.
"I played or I trained as a professional with Sporting Kansas City at Swope for close to 10 years," Besler exclusively told Daily Star Sport. "It's a facility that I know very well. It was awesome. It had everything we needed. I would say it's smaller than other facilities in the US. It's not as grand. But for the World Cup, I think it's exactly what you need. It feels very intimate. It feels private. It still has all the technology and it's newer. It's high quality and world-class. So I think it's a great spot for a team like England."
"When there's so much attention and pressure on them, coming to a place like Swope is where it feels like you're a little removed. You can get away and you can really focus on the training, the recoveries, the team. I think it's a great selection."
England are not the only nation to be basing themselves in the Kansas City area for the tournament. Reigning world champions Argentina, the Netherlands, and Algeria have all chosen the Midwestern destination.
Argentina, as the 2022 winners, will train at the larger Sporting KC Training Centre in Kansas, home to the MLS side's first team. However, Besler has also spent considerable time at this facility, which boasts advanced sports science labs and first-class amenities, and he does not feel there is too much difference.
"I trained there [Sporting KC Training Centre] for three years," he said. "It's a little newer but not by much. Maybe 10 years. There's really not much difference. There are advantages to both facilities."
For details on KC2026, Kansas City's FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City plans, and resources to plan your trip this summer, visit KC2026.com.
