Thomas Tuchel has assured that reports about the state of the pitch at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will not interfere with options for England's friendly with New Zealand. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' home field recently received natural grass, but the coach ensured that he maintains the rotation plan defined for this preparation test.
"I heard everything will be fine. I saw a photo that made me a little worried, but we will decide when we get there," Tuchel said at a press conference. "If there is a problem, we react. The plan is to play 45 minutes with two full teams, to expose everyone to the same load of minutes and maintain the same training load for the following three days. We will continue."
The English FA has been in contact with the stadium due to the appearance of the pitch in some images. Even so, Tuchel reinforced that the condition of the field “will not affect the team’s choice”.
The English team is completing a pre-World Cup training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, and will face New Zealand this Saturday. The second and final friendly will be against Costa Rica, on June 10th, before the official start of the 2026 World Cup, on June 11th.
Tuchel praised the form of Three Lions captain Harry Kane. "The most important thing is the form Harry is in. He is at a great level, ready to play, he led the intensity in training today. We don't need to worry about him, even though it is hot and humid. He has shown all week that he is prepared and determined."
The coach also admitted that he will manage the striker's minutes, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as direct alternatives. "Ideally, we take a few minutes off him. But if the games are even, do we take away our captain and main goalscorer? Maybe not. Harry is a key player, without a doubt."
As for the World Cup, England will move its base of operations to Kansas City, Missouri, and begin its campaign in Group L against Croatia, on June 17, in Dallas. Next comes the game with Ghana, on June 23, in Massachusetts, and the duel with Panama, on June 27, at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey.
Tuchel also left the door open for changes to the eleven for the debut, revealing that he has “14-15” names in mind and that these two friendlies will serve to define the starting lineup against Croatia.