England manager Thomas Tuchel has voiced significant 'worry and concern' regarding the state of the playing surface ahead of their World Cup warm-up friendly against New Zealand.
Tuchel's apprehension stems from a photograph, captured by a journalist, which highlighted the precarious condition of the pitch at the Raymond James Stadium. This venue is utilizing a temporary 'plug and play' pitch that was installed merely a week before the match.
The visible disjointed sections of the turf have already prompted the Football Association's ground staff to engage in discussions with the stadium organizers. These efforts are aimed at addressing the apparent issues and ensuring a safe playing environment for the upcoming fixtures.
Despite the visible concerns about the pitch's quality, Tuchel has emphasized that it will not influence his strategic decisions regarding player selection for the match. He plans to utilize the game to manage player load effectively.
To achieve this, the strategy involves fielding two distinct teams, with each group playing for a complete 45-minute half. This approach is designed to give a significant number of players valuable match time while minimizing the risk of fatigue or injury.
Currently, the England squad is in Florida, notably without several key players. The absence of talents such as Eze, Madueke, Rice, and Saka is due to their ongoing rest period following the conclusion of the Champions League final.
Following their friendly against Costa Rica, the team is scheduled to relocate to their final training base situated in Kansas City. This move is a crucial step in their preparation for the tournament.
The team's World Cup campaign is set to commence on June 17, with their opening match in Group L scheduled against Croatia. The focus remains on ensuring the squad is in peak condition for this important start.
