The Football Association are on a collision course with top-flight clubs over plans for two lucrative summer England friendlies in the USA.
Talks are underway for potential games against America and either Mexico or Canada, who are also co-hosting the World Cup 2026, during the June international window – which will be new head coach Thomas Tuchel’s second camp in charge.
The clash against the US would see Tuchel face another former Chelsea manager in Mauricio Pochettino.
As things stand, the matches have been pencilled in but are not confirmed owing to the World Cup qualifying draw in Zurich in December which will determine whether England’s fixture timetable would allow time for friendlies.
Depending on how the draw develops, England could play World Cup qualifiers in June which would see the mooted games across the Atlantic scrapped.
Thomas Tuchel returns to management with the Three Lions and will take over in 2025
He could face fellow former Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino – now in charge of the USA men’s national team
Nevertheless, plans to play to non-competitive fixtures at the end of the season will likely concern clubs whose players are already threatening to strike owing to their energy-sapping schedule.
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The Premier League season is due to end on May 25 with the friendly games possibly played between the domestic climax and the start of the Club World Cup, which is scheduled between June 15 and July 13.
Manchester City and Chelsea will represent the Premier League at the inaugural tournament, which is also being played in the USA.
In the previous England squad, eight of the 25 selected players selected were from either City of Chelsea.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also involved; meaning Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher could find themselves at the centre of the issue.
Fifpro, the global players union, have already submitted a legal claim against FIFA challenging the formation of the Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford will be under pressure to retain his place as England’s first-choice goalkeeper once Tuchel takes charge.
Everton keeper Pickford has been the national team’s first choice keeper ever since World Cup 2018 as he established himself as Gareth Southgate’s undisputed No 1.
However, it is understood that Pickford, who was dropped for last Sunday’s game in Finland, will face a fight to retain his place as England’s No 1 upon Tuchel’s arrival in January.
Jordan Pickford faces pressure to hold onto his No 1 shirt for the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Meanwhile, Tuchel is looking to finalise his staff with Chelsea goalkeeper coach Hilario, with whom he worked with at Stamford Bridge, understood to be among his targets.
The FA are yet to make an official approach to Chelsea for Hilario, but the Portuguese is believed to be on Tuchel’s radar.
Anthony Barry, who has already been confirmed as Tuchel’s No 2, is set to remain with Portugal for their Nations League games to Poland and Croatia next month.
Despite being announced as Tuchel’s assistant, Barry, it is understood, will continue in his role on Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff before officially starting with England on January 1.
