The Football Association is concerned that England's World Cup training ground in Kansas City lacks sufficient privacy and plans to erect protective fencing to prevent rivals from spying on the team. The move comes in the wake of the spygate scandal, which saw Southampton expelled from the Championship playoff final for illegally surveilling opponents' training sessions.
England will base themselves at Swope Soccer Village, home to Sporting Kansas City's academy teams, after their first-choice venue was secured by Argentina. The facility is a 20-minute drive from the team's hotel. The FA will add an outdoor gym and players' lounge, but the open nature of the ground has raised security concerns.
Manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the issue, saying: 'We will take care of that, of course. As good as possible and not in a crazy way. It can be overlooked. We will have security there and we will build a bit of protection.' He stressed the importance of privacy for final preparations, including set pieces and penalties.
England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. Meanwhile, the FA confirmed that Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri will join the training squad in Florida for pre-tournament preparations, along with Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Fulham's Josh King, and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha. Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele will remain as training goalkeeper throughout the tournament.
