Overview
- England are finishing a Florida camp with scheduled friendlies against New Zealand (June 6) and Costa Rica (June 10) plus a behind‑closed‑doors training match arranged with lower‑league Miami United to sharpen set pieces and match fitness.
- Photos of the newly laid 'plug‑and‑play' pitch at Raymond James Stadium showed a patchy surface, but manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday that the images will not dictate selection and he plans to play two full teams for 45 minutes each to assess players.
- Tuchel is using the friendlies to finalise his starting XI for the June 17 opener versus Croatia, and he confirmed squad rotation and minutes management will account for heat, humidity and long travel between host cities.
- Harry Maguire remains omitted from England’s 26‑man squad but is reported to have a non‑playing media role during the tournament, reflecting England’s choice to keep him involved off the pitch.
- The USMNT will face Germany in its final tune‑up without centre‑back Chris Richards because of torn ankle ligaments, and coach Mauricio Pochettino said the team will reassess Richards in the days after the friendly with FIFA allowing injury replacements up to 24 hours before the USA’s June 12 opener.