England’s players have organised a team-bonding dinner in Miami after Thomas Tuchel gave them time off from their gruelling Florida pre-World Cup training camp.
Having arrived at their base in West Palm Beach on 1 June, the players have completed a number of intense training sessions in the searing heat as they look to prepare themselves for the hot and humid conditions they are likely to face during the tournament held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
And the trip to Miami will provide a final opportunity for them to unwind before flying on Saturday to Kansas City, where they will be based for the finals.
England defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up game on Wednesday in Orlando, before immediately flying back to West Palm Beach for a behind-closed-doors match against local side Miami United on Thursday.
But once that training exercise is over, boss Tuchel has promised his squad a day and a half off before their flight to Kansas City – and told them to return to their base on Friday evening following the planned dinner.
Tuchel has tried to nurture a relaxed atmosphere during the team’s training camp, although it is understood he forcibly expressed his displeasure at half-time during the laboured 1-0 win over New Zealand for what he felt was an underwhelming performance.
The players have enjoyed rounds of golf after training and were joined by American five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka on the course, while European Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter also visited after the Costa Rica game.
Families have been allowed into the camp and generally players’ time has been their own after training.
But when they arrive in Kansas City over the weekend, the reins are likely to be tightened.
During major tournaments under former boss Gareth Southgate, players were generally allowed to see their family members immediately after games and then the following day.
That is set to be the case again under Tuchel, but access to time away from the team’s hotel in Kansas City is likely to be more limited with a greater focus on preparation for matches.
