Tuchel refuses to change England style despite heat at World Cup

Thomas Tuchel said he is not ready to adapt England's playing style at the World Cup despite the heat, arguing that a change would mean giving up the team's strengths.

Since taking charge in January 2025, Tuchel has stressed his preference for the physical approach common in English domestic football and has selected a 26-man squad built around powerful running and physicality.

"They want to be active with the ball," the German coach told BBC Sport ahead of England's opener against Croatia on Wednesday. "We have a young group. We have a courageous group. We have a brave group of players. So let's go for it. I mean, no one guarantees you that we win. So we want to at least try it, our style and our belief."

High temperatures across the United States, Mexico and Canada have led to mandatory hydration breaks that split matches into quarters. Tuchel said the three-minute intervals can change the character of each half and give coaches time to reset and deliver messages.

England's Group L opener against Croatia will be played in the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium, where temperatures are expected to exceed 30C outside. Tuchel said the indoor conditions give his side a chance to impose their preferred style.

He noted that training in Kansas City had already been affected by the heat. "Yesterday, it was very hot even here in training," Tuchel said. "I'm just not ready to adapt into a different style of football because of circumstances that we cannot influence. I think we would just give up our strengths."

Tuchel said research from last year's Club World Cup showed that heat mainly reduces sprint volume and distance rather than forcing a change in style. He added that England must prepare answers for every scenario, whether in possession or defending deep.

Tuchel also explained the decision to call up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah after Tino Livramento withdrew with a calf injury. "Tino was of course very disappointed and very sad, all of us were," he said. "We called Trevoh Chalobah because we then free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can be a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four."

Captain Harry Kane is due to win his 115th cap against Croatia, drawing level with David Beckham on the all-time list. Kane said reaching the milestone is a great achievement and described the momentum he brings after scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season.

Kane is one of five players in the squad who featured in England's 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia. Croatia will again field Luka Modric, who turned 40 last September.