Thomas Tuchel has arranged an additional warm-up match for England ahead of the World Cup, calling upon lower league side Miami United to assist with preparations. The England manager is eager to schedule a training game between the official friendlies against New Zealand on Saturday and Costa Rica the following Wednesday.
Training Exercise Focus
Miami United, who compete in the United Premier Soccer League, will provide a more controlled training environment. The match is expected to focus on set-pieces, drills, and fitness rather than being a full-scale friendly. This approach allows Tuchel to fine-tune tactics without the intensity of an international opponent.
Miami United are managed by Claudio Frean, a former Haiti Under-20 coach. The club, considered the oldest in Miami, describes itself as a platform for developing players and creating pathways to college and professional football.
Player Insights
England defender Dan Burn commented on the value of additional training: “Training is difficult sometimes because everybody knows what's happening. When we're doing patterns or deep build-up, everyone knows what happens. The more time we spend together repeating what the manager and staff are trying to get across, the stronger we become.”
The match is part of Tuchel's acclimatisation plans in Florida, helping players build rhythm before their tournament opener against Croatia on June 17. Burn praised the form of Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane, noting they have been “ripping it up” in their respective leagues.
Burn added: “We've got lads winning major tournaments, not just in England. Rashy won La Liga, Harry's been in the Bundesliga and doing brilliantly. And we know we've done well in qualifying.”
