Overview
- Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, former England manager Fabio Capello said the team often arrive at World Cups tired and play with fear, urging Thomas Tuchel to end the pattern.
- Capello pointed to the Euro 2020 final against Italy, saying England scored early then stopped playing progressive football and relied on long balls before losing on penalties.
- He linked fatigue to England’s domestic calendar, which lacks a winter break and includes two cup competitions, increasing player minutes compared with many European rivals.
- Looking ahead, England have warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica before opening against Croatia on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- The critique lands as England seek to end a drought that stretches back to 1966 after recent near-misses, including defeat in the Euro 2024 final.