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Tuchel Considers Keeping England Substitutes in Dressing Room at 2026 World Cup

Forecasts of temperatures above 40C have prompted contingency planning on player welfare.

Overview

  • Speaking in Washington before Friday's draw, Thomas Tuchel confirmed England's staff are evaluating the unusual step to mitigate extreme heat.
  • The option would keep some reserves in the dressing room rather than on the bench, with players emerging only to warm up or enter, a tactic he noted at the Club World Cup.
  • Tuchel said it is not his preference, emphasizing he wants substitutes on the touchline to share energy with the team.
  • He warned that matches in 40–45C conditions will slow in tempo and said England will adapt preparation to the climate.
  • Pressed on Jude Bellingham’s reaction to a recent substitution, Tuchel said the issue was already resolved and declined to elaborate.