England’s World Cup preparation sees no player concerns
Thomas Tuchel addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of England’s concluding World Cup preparation fixture against Costa Rica, set to take place at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium tomorrow evening, reports BritPanorama.
The German coach delivered encouraging news regarding his squad’s condition, confirming that every player remains fit for selection following their 1-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.
“No-one needs a break. Everyone is available which is very good news,” Tuchel stated. “No [injury] complaints after the first match.”
The England manager outlined his intention to increase match minutes for his players, with individuals expected to feature for between 60 and 70 minutes against the Central Americans.
Despite the positive squad update, Tuchel expressed concern over Bukayo Saka’s physical condition, revealing that England’s medical staff must exercise caution with the Arsenal winger.
The 24-year-old has been managing an undisclosed injury since March, though Tuchel declined to specify its nature or severity. Saka endured a challenging 2025/26 campaign, battling problems with his hamstring, hip and Achilles tendon throughout the season.
Notably, Saka only joined the England squad recently, having featured in the Champions League final alongside teammates Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke, meaning he missed the New Zealand encounter.
Tuchel offered a far more optimistic assessment of John Stones’ condition, praising the defender’s readiness for the tournament ahead. “He feels very, very good. He feels fully competitive,” the England boss said of the centre-back, who has participated in every training session during the preparation camp.
Although Stones accumulated fewer minutes than Tuchel would have preferred during the club season, the manager emphasised that the defender remained largely injury-free throughout the campaign. Tuchel highlighted the player’s exceptional versatility, noting his ability to transition into midfield and adapt seamlessly between tactical systems.
England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L when the tournament proper begins, with Tuchel’s side travelling to Kansas two days after their preparation camp concludes. When questioned about England’s failure to lift the World Cup since 1966, Tuchel advocated for a measured approach to the competition.
“I think it’s important not to try to digest this whole tournament in one piece and to focus on what we can influence,” he explained. The German expressed his belief that reaching the last eight represents a crucial threshold, stating: “Once you arrive in the quarter-final, then you can go all the way and the belief will be there.”
As England gears up for this pivotal period, the hope is that Tuchel’s blend of experience and optimism might just be the formula needed to shake off the long shadow of past disappointments and propel the team into new territory.
