Thomas Tuchel held his first press conference with the England squad in the United States and covered a wide range of topics ahead of Saturday’s friendly with New Zealand and the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Key points from his briefing: transfers, the Tampa Bay pitch, Harry Kane’s condition, Ivan Toney’s selection, the likely starting pool and concerns over new IFAB rules.
Transfers during the tournament
Tuchel said he will not block players from completing club moves during the World Cup provided they respect the team’s needs and timing. He does not want deals done on matchdays, the day before a match, and is wary even about business within a couple of days of games. Outside of those windows, transfers can be handled privately and quietly. The manager said clarity helps everyone and that the medical team is prepared to conduct checks if required. He would prefer deals done before the Croatia game but acknowledged that reality and outside pressures mean that may not always be possible. His focus is helping players manage distractions so they can remain mentally and physically prepared.
Tampa Bay pitch concerns
Images of the Tampa Bay turf have caused some unease. Tuchel has not inspected the surface in person but said a photograph shown to him raised concerns. He stressed it will not necessarily change team selection and that officials have indicated the pitch should be OK. The current plan for the friendly is to play 45 minutes with two full teams so everyone gets equal minutes, with training loads maintained across the following days; plans can be adapted if the surface proves unsuitable.
Harry Kane’s fitness
Tuchel dismissed worries about Kane’s fitness and readiness. He called Kane a key player who continued to lead training intensity, even on defensive sessions, and pointed to his strong recent form with Bayern, including goals in the cup final. Tuchel said the team will try to rest Kane where possible, but if matches are tight the captain and main goalscorer will likely play significant minutes. Overall, the manager is confident in Kane’s conditioning and temperament for hot, humid conditions.
Ivan Toney and striker options
Tuchel explained his striker hierarchy. Ollie Watkins is seen as the natural back-up to start in Kane’s place while Ivan Toney provides a different profile: an inside-the-box finisher, strong at set pieces and penalties, and useful as a second striker to occupy defenders. Tuchel said Toney’s training performances and attitude justified his surprising call-up, that he fit well within the group, and that staff and former coaches gave positive feedback about his role and temperament.
Starting XI picture
The manager said he is close to deciding the first XI but still evaluating form, fitness and opponent match-ups. He estimates there are around 14–15 players firmly in contention to start for England in the opener, with a few final decisions to take after training and any late fitness checks. He wants to keep options open until just before selection to avoid being surprised by any minor injury or lack of confidence.
IFAB rule changes and refereeing
Tuchel expressed reservations about the number and timing of rule changes introduced by IFAB for the tournament. He found some new rulings complex and said he feared placing too much subjective discretion on referees. Changes include expanded VAR powers, 10-second substitutions, restrictions on tactical timeouts and new guidance on physical contact in the penalty area, including the possibility of penalising holding before the ball enters play from corners. Tuchel said England will adapt and play within the laws, but hopes refereeing becomes consistent quickly — something he’s not certain will happen given how many adjustments were introduced so close to the World Cup.
Overall tone
Tuchel’s comments balanced pragmatism and reassurance: he wants to minimise off-field distractions, protect his players’ preparation, and remain flexible to match conditions and new rules. He reiterated trust in his core group, confidence in Kane and Toney, and a readiness to react if pitch or officiating circumstances require changes.