England announce World Cup friendly opponents as base confirmed | Football | Sport
England will take on New Zealand and Costa Rica in their final World Cup preparation matches. Thomas Tuchel’s side will meet New Zealand on Saturday, June 6, followed by Costa Rica on Wednesday, June 10. Both fixtures will take place close to their Florida pre-tournament training headquarters, with the matches expected to be held in Tampa and either Orlando or Miami, though venues are yet to be officially announced.
England manager Tuchel is establishing his squad in the Florida sunshine ahead of the World Cup, with England’s opening match against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. They will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L in Boston and New Jersey on June 23 and June 17 respectively.
The Football Association has also confirmed they will be stationed in Kansas City throughout the tournament, meaning they will travel to and from match venues whilst maintaining one central base camp for as long as possible.
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They have selected Swope Soccer Village as their training ground and have now officially confirmed this following FIFA approval.
Swope Soccer Village serves as one of Sporting Kansas City’s training facilities and currently houses the club’s MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT teams.
The complex, situated in the heart of Kansas City’s historic Swope Park, has previously welcomed various national and club teams since opening in 2007.
They are expected to reside at The Inn at Meadowbrook on the outskirts of Kansas, as the £200-per-night hotel prides itself on resembling an English cottage.
Tuchel had always been keen to remain in Kansas due to the quality of the facilities, but alternative locations were considered because of the significant distances and travel requirements.
England have previously met New Zealand on two occasions, both matches taking place in June 1991 during a tour that included fixtures in Auckland and Wellington.
England encountered Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup, when Roy Hodgson’s side were eliminated at the group stage.
England’s final home matches before then will take place next month, with Uruguay visiting on Friday, March 27 (7.45pm kick-off) and Japan on Tuesday, March 31 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tuchel will also attend Thursday’s Nations League draw in Brussels, where England will learn their next opponents.
