Thomas Tuchel is planning a warm-weather training break for the England squad next March, followed by a pre-World Cup boot camp in Miami in June, with the aim of preparing the players for the extreme heat they will face during the tournament in the United States. This approach reflects the coach’s concern about how high temperatures might affect player performance and health during the World Cup.
To better acclimate the players to such conditions, Tuchel has already made changes to the usual training schedule. This week, he took the England squad to Barcelona for a six-day camp, focusing on hard training in the heat before their World Cup qualifier against Andorra. Similar warm-weather training sessions are planned for next year to ensure the team remains physically prepared for the challenges ahead.
Tuchel is working closely with the Football Association’s medical and sports science teams to develop strategies that reduce the impact of heat on the players. Alongside the focus on fitness and recovery, the team will be closely monitored, especially during the Club World Cup tournament this month, where the FA will also send operational staff to scout potential training bases and accommodation in the US for the World Cup.
Miami has emerged as Tuchel’s preferred location for the pre-tournament training camp, although the final base for England’s World Cup preparations will depend on the outcome of the December draw. The location will be selected to optimize both acclimatization to heat and logistical convenience for the squad.
While the plan for a long-haul warm-weather training trip during the March international break may raise concerns among Premier League and Champions League managers about player fatigue and burnout, Tuchel is determined to prioritize England’s preparation above all else. After his first game in charge in March, he made it clear he intends to select his strongest team whenever possible, regardless of club concerns. He has also openly questioned club decisions that may compromise player fitness, such as Arsenal’s choice to play Declan Rice in a Champions League match soon after a significant win, highlighting his focus on player welfare and performance.
If England secure automatic qualification by winning their World Cup qualifying group, Tuchel will have the freedom to take the squad abroad during the next season’s international break, foregoing the traditional home matches at Wembley. The FA is supportive of these plans if the coach believes it is the best way to prepare the team for the tournament.
Besides Miami, the Middle East is also being considered as a potential training location due to its excellent facilities and hot climate, which could offer similar preparation benefits. Additionally, the shorter time difference with England compared to the US might make travel and adjustment easier for the players and staff.
Ultimately, the final decision on the World Cup training base will be made once the qualification campaign concludes, taking into account the best options for acclimatization, logistics, and the overall well-being of the squad.
Tuchel’s strategy underscores a shift in how national teams prepare for major tournaments, placing greater emphasis on environmental adaptation and player management amid an increasingly congested football calendar. The planned warm-weather camps reflect a proactive approach to mitigating the risks of heat-related fatigue and injury, aiming to keep England’s players in peak condition for their World Cup challenge.
