Tuchel grants England squad Florida night out with families before World Cup base move

Thomas Tuchel will give his England squad a night out in Florida with their families following the second pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, before the group departs for their World Cup base in Kansas City.

A source close to the camp confirmed the plans, saying: “It will be a chance for the team to unwind before they head off to Kansas. More importantly, they can spend time with their families.” The break follows England’s first warm-up fixture against New Zealand and gives players the opportunity to see loved ones who have already travelled to the United States.

Captain Harry Kane, 32, was photographed with his wife Kate at England’s training base in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She posted a single word — “Recharged” — after the squad completed a session in the Florida heat and humidity. Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, 30, is understood to be travelling to the US after a Caribbean break, while Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson, 26, and Chelsea captain Reece James’s partner Mia McClenaghan are also expected to attend matches.

Family members were encouraged to holiday in the same time zone as the squad ahead of the tournament, easing the transition into camp life. Arsenal players were granted additional time off following the Champions League final but are due to link up with the group before the squad relocates to Kansas City.

Mark Bellingham, father of midfielder Jude, and Noel Scott, father of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, have also made the trip stateside.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking at the opening of a £21.9 million redevelopment project at a West Yorkshire children’s hospice, offered an endorsement of the current squad’s mentality. “The great thing now is that as a group of players they have been through so many hurdles,” he said. “They are in the mix. There is an expectation among themselves that they will be in the latter stages of a tournament. They will win a tournament at some stage. I have become a fan again now.”