Thomas Tuchel, head coach of the England national football team, declared he is "not ready to adapt" England's playing style for the upcoming World Cup 2026 despite the anticipated high temperatures in the USA. Tuchel emphasized that altering the team's approach would mean "giving up" their strengths.

Since taking charge in January 2025, Tuchel has championed the physicality of English domestic football, advocating for a style that reflects this toughness. His squad selections for the 26-man roster have highlighted this focus on physicality and powerful running.

• Tuchel noted that his players are:
  • Active with the ball
  • Young
  • Courageous
  • Brave

As England prepares for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday at 21:00 BST, Tuchel remains optimistic. He stated, "Let’s go for it. I mean, no one guarantees you that we win. So we want to at least try it, our style and our belief."

With temperatures in Dallas expected to exceed 30°C during the match, mandatory hydration breaks have been introduced. Tuchel acknowledged that these breaks could alter the dynamics of the game, providing opportunities for coaches to reset strategies.

Fortunately, the match will be held in an air-conditioned indoor venue, which Tuchel believes will help his team implement their style against Croatia effectively. However, he did mention that the heat has impacted training sessions at their base in Kansas City.

Despite the challenges posed by the conditions, Tuchel remains committed to not changing their football style, stating, "I think we would just give up our strengths." He also reflected on insights gained from the Club World Cup, suggesting that while conditions might reduce player output slightly, the core style of play remains intact.

Tuchel concluded that England must be prepared for various scenarios, whether they dominate possession or need to defend deeply.