Tuchel promises physical intensity as England face Costa Rica in final World Cup warm-up

Thomas Tuchel has called for a step up in physical intensity when England face Costa Rica on Wednesday in their final competitive warm-up before the 2026 World Cup, with the head coach confirming all players are fit and available after the squad’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand last Saturday.

Speaking to media on the eve of the Costa Rica fixture, Tuchel outlined his plans to extend playing time for several members of the squad, with individuals expected to get between 60 and 70 minutes. A behind-closed-doors training match at England’s facility on Thursday will follow before the squad departs for their tournament base in Kansas.

“No-one needs a break, everyone is available which is very good news,” Tuchel said. “We are ready to give it a push tomorrow; meaning more than 45 minutes. Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. Then we have a chance to load the players a day later in a match behind closed doors in our training facility, then pre-camp is finished. We then start our adventure two days later in Kansas.”

Among those likely to benefit from increased minutes are the Arsenal quartet of Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, all of whom joined the squad late following their involvement in the Champions League final at the end of May.

Tuchel described the pre-tournament camp as deliberately low-key, with afternoons off, family visits and a barbecue evening all forming part of a conscious effort to keep the mood light before the pressure of competitive football takes hold.

“It’s been very relaxed,” he said. “We’ve had afternoons off for the players where they can reconnect — they can go out and see friends and family. The atmosphere has been relaxed and it’s important. The tension will just rise naturally, especially when we change location to Kansas and then have four days to prepare for the first game.”

The German also moved to temper expectations around England’s status as one of the pre-tournament favourites, though the source material did not include his full remarks on that subject.