Thomas Tuchel, appointed England manager in January, is implementing innovative training methods in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
A key element of their current Girona training camp involves utilizing heated tents to simulate the extreme conditions expected at next year’s tournament.
The camp includes focused sessions designed to assess player responses to heat and humidity. Fitness tests conducted within the heated tents, replicating anticipated World Cup temperatures, are followed by detailed analyses of player recovery.
England faces Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, followed by a friendly against Senegal on June 10th.
Tuchel anticipates challenging conditions, stating that he expects players to “suffer” due to the heat. To gain firsthand experience, he plans a trip to the Club World Cup in the United States this summer for a comprehensive assessment of the playing environment.
He emphasized the need to observe matches in locations like Miami at peak afternoon temperatures, stating, “It is important to see matches now in America… How it looks, and we need to understand how to cool the players down, to drink. What our options are.”
He added, “I will be very surprised if we do not suffer. Suffering is one of the headlines for this World Cup.”
Reports indicate that temperatures at numerous 2026 World Cup stadiums could reach potentially hazardous levels. Dallas, for example, experiences temperatures exceeding 28°C on over 80% of June and July days.
Under Tuchel’s leadership, England has secured victories in its first two World Cup qualifiers, currently topping Group K.
Before commencing the training camp, several players, including Jude Bellingham, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, and James Trafford, attended the Spanish Grand Prix.