Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach, has expressed his confidence that his players will not misuse the trust he has placed in them, as he granted them time off with minimal restrictions at the conclusion of their pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
The manager stated that he was content for them to engage in any activities they wished, provided they did not involve air travel, before they depart on Saturday for Kansas City, which will serve as their base for the tournament. Tuchel oversaw a training match against the amateur club Miami United in Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday, after which he gave the players the remainder of the day and Friday off.
This decision aligns with the overall atmosphere of the camp in Florida, which has combined rigorous training and two warm-up matches with ample downtime for family and friends. Since arriving in West Palm Beach on the Monday of the previous week, the players have been able to go out in the evenings without significant disturbance or media attention.
England secured a 1-0 victory against New Zealand in Tampa last Saturday, followed by a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday. The focus will intensify when they reach Kansas City ahead of their opening World Cup group match against Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday.
“The players are getting one and a half days off to relax and switch off, not only physically but mentally and then we start the next chapter,” Tuchel said. “The next chapter is the group stage and I’m happy that we switch location. This location has been amazing but it’s good to switch the brain.”
“The players can almost do what they want [with the free time]. For example, they can’t take a flight. We said no flights because hopefully we have a lot of flights through the tournament.”
“No one has asked for a flight. They are adults. They are determined, as well, so the trust is not only a one‑way street. We expect them to live up to the trust, the responsibility, we give them. Everything I have seen of them is [that they are] a determined group who have a dream but know what it takes. I have full belief and trust that they will not gamble on that.”
Tuchel also mentioned that Jude Bellingham could be deployed as a No. 9 during the World Cup, having used him briefly in that role against Costa Rica. Bellingham moved into the forward position after Tuchel substituted Morgan Rogers for Harry Kane in the 63rd minute. Bellingham was taken off eight minutes later, but not before his skillful run and pass set up another substitute, Eberechi Eze, for a shot that resulted in a penalty for handball, which Anthony Gordon converted.
“Maybe … we’ll see in the tournament,” Tuchel said. “It’s easy. Jude can play as the No 9 almost like in a free role; come into midfield, drop into midfield, drop into half spaces, start more dribbling, Harry then starts more assisting.”
“Jude has the personality to score, to be decisive and to arrive in the box so it is an option to play with him and Morgan. I wanted to see that for a few minutes, at least. Let’s see.”
“Ollie Watkins was also good [as a substitute against Costa Rica], Ivan Toney was good against New Zealand and trains at a high level so it’s good. I have some options.”
