Tuchel says Tampa Bay pitch won’t alter England team selection
6 verified5 unconfirmed
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has addressed concerns about the playing surface at Raymond James Stadium ahead of his team’s World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand. Tuchel stated that images of the pitch, which appeared to be slightly disjointed in parts, made him “a little bit worried,” but he said the condition “will not affect my team selection.” He confirmed the plan remains to play 45 minutes with two complete teams to give all players equal minutes. Tuchel also backed captain Harry Kane’s fitness, saying the striker is in “top shape” and ready to go despite the hot and humid conditions. The manager said he has “14 or 15” players in the running to start the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Tuchel confirmed he will not block players from completing club transfers during the tournament, provided the business does not interfere with match preparation.
What’s verified
Tuchel said the pitch condition at Raymond James Stadium will not affect his team selection for the New Zealand friendly.
The plan is to play two separate teams for 45 minutes each in the match.
Tuchel described Harry Kane as being in “top shape” and said there are no fitness concerns about the captain.
Tuchel stated he has “14 or 15” players in contention to start the World Cup opener against Croatia.
Players are permitted to finalise club transfers during the tournament as long as it does not disrupt match preparation.
England’s first World Cup group game is against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, Texas.
Not yet confirmed
Sky Sports reported that Tuchel expressed concern about IFAB rule changes for the World Cup, including expanded VAR powers and 10-second substitutions, and said he was not sure he understood everything correctly. This was not mentioned in the BBC report.
Sky Sports reported that Tuchel said Ivan Toney’s training performances have justified his surprise selection. BBC did not mention Toney’s specific justification.
BBC reported that Arsenal players Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka did not train on Friday because they were involved in the Champions League final on May 30. Sky Sports did not mention this.
BBC reported that Dean Henderson trained after joining the squad following Crystal Palace’s victory in the Conference League final. Sky Sports did not mention this.
It is unclear if any England players have already approached Tuchel about completing a transfer. Sky Sports quotes Tuchel saying no player had approached him; BBC does not address this.
Key figures
Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Dean Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, John Stones.
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
