Tuchel allows England WAGs into World Cup base, reversing Southgate's strict policy

Thomas Tuchel has overturned a long-standing England policy by allowing players’ partners into the squad’s World Cup training base in West Palm Beach, Florida — a step his predecessor Gareth Southgate consistently resisted during major tournaments.

Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro is believed to have made a four-hour drive to Tampa to attend England’s warm-up match against New Zealand last week. Harry Kane’s wife Kate and Kobbie Mainoo’s partner Layla Roye are also reported to have visited the hotel before the squad relocates to Kansas City for the tournament proper, which begins on Thursday, 11 June.

A source told The Sun: “It’s very unusual for them to spend so much time with the footballers before the World Cup. But Tuchel wants his pre-tournament camp relaxed before heading to Kansas.”

Tuchel has also planned to give the squad downtime following their second warm-up fixture against Costa Rica on Wednesday, which England won 3-0, with the intention of allowing players further time with family and friends before competitive action begins.

The approach marks a clear philosophical shift from Southgate’s management style. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, partners were reportedly housed on a luxury cruise liner rather than at the team hotel, and Southgate was said to have barred players’ significant others from appearing in a fly-on-the-wall tournament documentary. He was also reported to have taken personal exception to the term ‘WAG’, viewing it as disrespectful. He did, however, allow partners to attend the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha after England’s 6-2 opening win over Iran, and permitted them into the training base after each group game at Euro 2024 in Germany.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford welcomed the more relaxed environment under Tuchel. “The tournament for us doesn’t start until June 17,” Pickford said. “So, I think this is going to be train hard, get used to the climate, have a bit of freedom, bit of downtime.”

The presence of players’ partners at major tournaments has long been a flashpoint in English football discourse, with the 2006 World Cup in Germany particularly associated with intense media scrutiny of the so-called WAG culture. Tuchel’s decision suggests he views a settled, relaxed squad as a greater asset than strict separation ahead of England’s opening group game.