England players urged to adapt to World Cup heat, says Henderson
8 reported
Jordan Henderson has encouraged England’s players to expose themselves to the sweltering Florida conditions to acclimatise to the intense heat expected at the World Cup. The majority of the England squad have arrived in the United States ahead of the tournament, which begins next week, though five players including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will join later this week. Thomas Tuchel’s side are based in Florida, known as the Sunshine State, to help players adapt to the US heat. During the team’s first training session in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, temperatures reached 32C. Studies have shown that nearly a quarter of all World Cup games are likely to be played in temperatures higher than 26C. BBC Sport reported that Tuchel advised his players to holiday in the USA after the domestic season to help adapt to the heat and time zone changes. England forward Marcus Rashford was among those who took their post-season break in the US. Henderson, set to play in his seventh major tournament, said building capacity to the conditions is important, and the warm-up games will help with exposure.
What’s reported
Jordan Henderson urged England players to expose themselves to Florida conditions to acclimatise to World Cup heat.
Most of the England squad have arrived in the US; five players including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will join later this week.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are based in Florida; first training session in West Palm Beach on Tuesday reached 32C.
Studies show nearly a quarter of all World Cup games are likely to be played in temperatures above 26C.
Tuchel advised players to holiday in the USA after the domestic season to adapt to heat and time zone changes.
Marcus Rashford was among players who took their post-season break in the US.
England’s opening Group L game is against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, Texas; then Ghana on 23 June in Massachusetts; Panama on 27 June in New Jersey.
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo said the squad are working hard to acclimatise quickly.
Key figures
Jordan Henderson (Brentford midfielder, England player)
Thomas Tuchel (England boss)
Declan Rice (England player)
Bukayo Saka (England player)
Marcus Rashford (England forward)
Kobbie Mainoo (England midfielder)
Sources: BBC News
