England considers radical option for World Cup substitutes
England are weighing up the extraordinary option of keeping substitutes inside the dressing room during matches at next summer’s World Cup to protect players from the extreme heat expected across the United States, Canada and Mexico, reports BritPanorama.
Thomas Tuchel, in Washington for today’s tournament draw, confirmed that the coaching staff are examining “unusual” but potentially necessary measures as forecasts indicate temperatures could exceed 40C at several venues. This strategy would mean that some England substitutes might remain inside the stadium rather than sit on the bench, emerging only when instructed to warm up or enter the game — a tactic previously employed by Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup.
While Tuchel made clear it is far from his preferred approach, he accepted that England may have to adapt to conditions unlike anything they have encountered in European competition. He noted, “If this is what helps us later in the match when they come on, okay, we consider that as a possibility.”
Tuchel elaborated, stating, “Nobody likes it as I want the players to be out here and feel the energy and give the energy from the bench onto the field. But I saw teams doing this and players doing this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we can avoid it. It is always better if they can be with us.” He further warned that the heat will fundamentally reshape the tempo and pattern of matches, asserting, “The heat will reduce the intensity of the match, it will reduce the intensity of the runs.”
The former Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss argued, “You cannot play the same football in 45C as you can in 21C. That is as easy as that.” Tuchel stressed the importance of adapting to ensure players remain effective, adding, “We have to adapt and prepare the players and adapt to the heat. We will be on it and put a lot of effort into it and we will be ready.”
Tuchel, whose England side qualified with a perfect record, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming draw, praising the sense of anticipation within his squad and staff. “You dream about it because it’s huge and my personal biggest joy is to see the joy of the players, the staff and my friends and family to see how happy they are,” he remarked.
Despite the optimism, Tuchel refrained from discussing Jude Bellingham’s visible frustration when substituted in England’s final qualifier against Albania, insisting the matter was already settled. The Real Madrid star’s reaction had raised questions about his potential involvement in the World Cup. “I think you understand that I’m in Washington now for the World Cup draw so the subject is not for now,” he stated firmly.
As well as England, Scotland will also find out their opponents for the next World Cup. Other home nations Northern Ireland and Wales could yet be involved, with the two sides looking ahead to the play-offs in March. The Republic of Ireland, having beaten Hungary to secure a play-off spot, finds themselves in a similar position.
In a tournament where every detail counts, the proposed tactics highlight not only the challenges posed by extreme weather but also the pragmatic approach that England is willing to take to ensure player safety. In the high-stakes world of international football, adaptation could prove to be just as crucial as strategy.
