Tuchel rewards players with family time
England manager Thomas Tuchel has given his squad a well-earned day off to recharge after their dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16. The players were permitted to leave the team hotel in Prairie Village, near Kansas City, on Tuesday, with many opting to spend quality time with family and loved ones away from the camp.
According to BBC Sport, Tuchel’s leniency extended into the evening, as players enjoyed dinner with their partners before returning to base later that night. The squad regrouped on Wednesday for their first training session ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
Fatigue management after Azteca heroics
The win over Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium—played at high altitude—has been hailed as England’s best World Cup performance since 1966. However, the physical and mental toll of that match, combined with four previous games, raised concerns within the camp. Sources indicate that the team’s final training session before the Mexico game was little more than a walkthrough, as Tuchel prioritised energy conservation.
“The manager is increasingly aware of the need to preserve energy heading into the latter stages of the tournament,” a source told BBC Sport. Tuchel himself expressed hope that the offsite family day would alleviate strain on the squad, allowing them to approach the Norway clash with renewed vigour.
Looking ahead to Norway quarter-final
England now face a formidable Norway side in the last eight on Saturday. The Scandinavians, led by superstar Erling Haaland, will pose a stern test. Tuchel is banking on his refreshed players to replicate the intensity they showed against Mexico. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, the Three Lions will need to be at their very best.
How to watch England vs Norway
For fans in the United Kingdom, the quarter-final will be broadcast live on BBC and ITV, with coverage starting well before the kick-off. International viewers should check local listings for confirmed broadcasters in their territory. Streaming options will be available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK. At the time of writing, broadcast details for other territories have not been fully confirmed.
Quick Facts
Day off date: Tuesday, 7 July 2026 (after Mexico win)
Next match: England vs Norway (World Cup quarter-final)
Date & kick-off: Saturday, 11 July 2026 (time TBC)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
UK TV: BBC and ITV
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Tuchel gave England players a full day off to spend with family after the Mexico win, allowing them to leave the team hotel.
- The gesture was aimed at managing fatigue following a draining high-altitude match at the Azteca Stadium.
- England face Norway in the quarter-finals, with hopes that the rest will boost their performance.
- The Mexico victory is being celebrated as England’s finest World Cup display in 60 years.
- UK viewers can watch the Norway game on BBC and ITV, with streaming on iPlayer and ITVX.
