England's World Cup stars looked more like 'Red Lions' than 'Three Lions' as they posed for official photos after a scorching training camp in Florida. The players, including Arsenal's Declan Rice and Everton's Jordan Pickford, appeared noticeably sun-kissed in the snaps, with some looking like lobsters after a week of acclimatising in the sticky heat.
Sunburned Squad
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson was also in the pink, along with Tino Livramento, James Trafford, Anthony Gordon, and Dean Henderson. It seemed a few squad members may have missed parts of their skin when applying sun cream. In contrast, John Stones and Jordan Henderson sported healthy tans, suggesting they got the mix right.
The team has been training in punishing Florida heat at their pre-tournament base in Palm Beach, preparing for their opening match against Croatia on June 17 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Long-range forecasts predict temperatures of at least 33°C (92°F) on match day.
Training Intensity
Fans were stunned by the intensity of training sessions, with footage showing players being put through their paces. FIFA has introduced hydration breaks midway through each half to protect players, as temperatures at some venues could top 40°C. This means matches will be divided into NFL-style quarters instead of traditional 45-minute halves. Players will also have access to hi-tech palm-cooling devices to lower core body temperature during breaks.
Captain's Confidence
Captain Harry Kane rebutted suggestions the team would wilt in the heat, saying temperatures at their Florida base had not been 'too bad'. After a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly, Kane stated: 'We're all professional athletes. We have done the right preparation to get ready for this tournament. I think come the tournament it won't be a factor.'
Fan Health Risks
Medics fear fans will feel the heat more than players. Dr Chris Mullington, a consultant anaesthetist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, warned conditions could be deadly. He explained that supporters may be exposed to heat for longer periods—walking to stadiums, queuing in direct sun, attending fan zones, and travelling home on crowded transport. They might not hydrate well, sleep poorly, and consume alcohol, increasing risks of heat-related heart attacks.
Dr Mullington said FIFA's hydration breaks for players do not go far enough for fans, who should receive free water and cooling misting sprays. Dr Friederike Otto, professor of climate science at Imperial College London, suggested future World Cups should be moved to winter, as in Qatar 2022, to avoid health risks.
Earthquake Shock
Tan lines were not the only danger for players during their Florida stay. They were rocked by the second-largest earthquake in the region's history on Monday, a 6.1 magnitude tremor off the coast of Cuba.
