England's substitutes may stay indoors during the World Cup - Thomas Tuchel
England manager Thomas Tuchel has hinted that he might keep his substitutes in the dressing room during matches at the upcoming World Cup due to the extreme heat conditions expected in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Speaking to BBC Sport, Tuchel expressed his concerns about the high temperatures, which could pose risks to players and the overall match intensity.
"If this is what helps us later in matches when they come on, we have to consider it a possibility," Tuchel said. "Nobody likes it because I want the players to be out there to feel the energy and give us energy from the bench on to the field. But I saw players doing this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully, we can avoid it. It's always better when they can be with us outside."
The World Cup in 2026 is expected to be particularly challenging due to the potential for high temperatures, wildfires, and even hurricanes. Experts have warned that 10 out of 16 venues are at a "very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions." The recent Pitches in Peril report, compiled by Football for the Future and Common Goal, further emphasizes the urgency of the situation.
Tuchel acknowledges the impact of heat on high-level football, stating, "It's an issue for high-level football - it will reduce the intensity of the matches. It will reduce the amount of intensive runs, offensively and defensively. The match and the plan will naturally adapt. You cannot play the same football in 45C as in 21C."
To prepare for these challenges, Tuchel and his team are focusing on adapting to the heat and implementing cooling systems. "We need to adapt and prepare the players as good as possible," he said. "We need to adapt to the heat, to cooling systems, and we're on it. We've put a lot of effort into it, and we will be ready when the tournament starts."
Despite the potential challenges, Tuchel remains optimistic about England's chances of winning the tournament for the first time since 1966. He believes that the team has made significant progress since he took charge at the start of the year, thanks to the camps in September, October, and November. "We've got closer, we've got better," he said. "For my belief, I needed the camps in September, October, November, and the way the camps, the results, and the group went together. Since then, our belief - mine and the group together - grew, and we will arrive to make a special thing happen."
England's strong performance in qualifiers, winning all eight matches while scoring 22 goals and conceding none, has further fueled Tuchel's confidence. He aims to build a squad that no one wants to face during the tournament. "We're getting closer," he said. "I think we're getting stronger. The target is to arrive in June with a strong squad, and the emphasis is on the squad and the team spirit. Then, hopefully, we get the momentum and the energy around the team right so that, during the tournament, no one wants to play against us."
As for the friendly matches before the tournament, Tuchel is considering potential opponents, aiming for competitive fixtures to maximize learning and preparation. "We need to wait until the draw," he said. "But we have a clear idea against whom we want to play. It's a tricky window because it's friendly matches. It's preparation for the World Cup, but don't forget, right before the World Cup, we have two friendly matches to play."
Tuchel's focus is on building a strong team spirit and ensuring the players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, both on and off the field.
