England’s national football team departed for the World Cup today, carrying the hopes of their nation. Manager Thomas Tuchel opted for a low-key departure instead of the traditional team photocall on the plane steps. The players, decked out in official Three Lions tracksuits worth £200 each, boarded a chartered Virgin flight at Birmingham Airport one by one, led by Captain Harry Kane.
The squad of 26 is set to land in Florida, where temperatures are expected to reach 35°C (95°F), before heading to their tournament base camp in Kansas City. Tuchel, facing his toughest challenge yet, advised some players, like Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford, to travel early to acclimatize in the US.
Team building activities are on the agenda, including watching World Cup matches on a giant TV screen at their hotel in Kansas City. Additionally, the players will have access to gaming consoles with plans for entertainment like Murder Mystery and Traitors games.
The team jetted off at 11:20 am and is scheduled to arrive at Palm Beach International Airport at 7:26 pm UK time. The squad, among the bookmakers’ favorites to win the tournament, will play pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Marcus Rashford, who has been training in Miami, is keeping fit under the guidance of David Beckham at Inter Miami’s facilities. Tuchel emphasized the importance of preparing the team for the challenging conditions at the World Cup, seeking advice from British Olympic stars.
England’s warm-up matches in Tampa will test the players in 34°C heat, with precautions like ice vests and cooling tents in place. The players’ families are expected to visit the team HQ in Kansas City, with various stars like Bukayo Saka’s fiancée and Jude Bellingham’s partner joining the group.
In a team meeting captured in a Football Association documentary, Tuchel motivated his players, expressing his desire for them to reach the summit like conquering Mount Everest. England’s first game is against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, as the World Cup action kicks off on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City.