England are set for talks with Europe’s biggest clubs over the availability of Thomas Tuchel’s top stars ahead of a clash between internationals and the Club World Cup in June.
Eleven potential call ups for a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal could be conflicted by their club’s participation in the new month-long tournament in America.
The list of those impacted by the scheduling will include Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. Tuchel has made it clear that England do not have time to waste in preparation for the 2026 World Cup and will want his full complement.
Tuchel has raised the prospect of sending players off to the United States after the trip to Andorra.
‘It is one qualifier and maybe the chance to change the squad a bit in between and give players the chance to play the friendly who are not involved,’ Tuchel said.
England boss Thomas Tuchel suggested sending players off to the United States after the trip to Andorra
Harry Kane has claimed players’ welfare concerns are not being listened to ahead of the upcoming summer scheduling clash
The inaugural Club World Cup will begin in the United States on June 15 (FIFA president Gianni Infantino pictured)
‘We will see. I think the FIFA June window is debatable if it makes sense. There is this awkward period for a player. They have ten- or fourteen-day break, then they go to international, then they give them a little bit of holiday.
‘The June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. I think it’s FIFA who can maybe align the calendar and maybe find a gap where we put this window somewhere else.’
Reece James, Levi Colwill, Noni Madueke, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher plus Manchester City trio John Stones, Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish are also among those who could be caught between club and country.
In a more direct clash, Lee Carsley’s Under 21s are defending their European Championship crown in Slovakia but the clubs involved – City and Borussia Dortmund – call the shots on whether their youngsters go with their national teams or not.
James McAtee and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens – plus potentially Lewis – will discuss the merits of both competitions with their club bosses.
Teams participating in the Club World Cup have to arrive three days before their first match, which should allow players to feature for their countries. But amid the growing fear of burnout, with FIFA undertaking a taskforce on player welfare led by Arsene Wenger, the number of games is again under scrutiny.
‘Of course it’s another summer where you don’t really have a break,’ Kane said. ‘I think we’re getting used to it. There’s nothing really we can do about it. You just have to try and talk to your coaches, manage the best you can.
‘It’s hard to pick and choose, because every game is important. Playing for Bayern Munich is important. Playing for England is important.’
A host of England stars including Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham are affected by the scheduling conflict
Kane added: ‘There are arguments from the club’s point of view, to generate more money, because we probably earn more money. And there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries and more situations like that.
‘It is a really hard balance. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m totally honest. Everyone wants their piece, their tournament, their prize, and the players are kind of the people who have to get on with it. But I love playing football, so I’m never going to complain about playing football.’
Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is in discussions with the FA about returning to the organisation he left in 2018.
Ashworth’s role in integrating teams at St George’s Park was heralded before he left for Brighton – later having stints at Newcastle United and Old Trafford. The FA are remodelling their headquarters, with Ashworth thought to be a candidate to drive that. The talks over a role are not believed to have a bearing on John McDermott’s future.
