The Three Lions Search for World Cup Camps Amid Concerns of Losing Preferred Site to Holland.

The FA has sent scouts to the US this week to inspect potential training camps for the upcoming World Cup, amidst increasing worries that their preferred location could be allocated by the Holland.

Tournament Draw Complications Alter Plans

Manager Thomas Tuchel had previously cleared an FA strategy for England to locate in Kansas following a warm-up training period in Fort Lauderdale. Yet, following last week's group stage draw, there are now concerns that the Netherlands, who have their group stage matches in Kansas, will be given priority on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a state-of-the-art centre used by US Soccer.

The world governing body allocates training camps according to geography and FIFA rankings if there is a dispute, with the draw possibly pitting the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for sites in the tournament's central region.

Exploring Other Options

Given England's group fixtures set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly looking at alternative locations on the US East Coast. The association began its scouting process for training bases at the start of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott touring possible sites during the Club World Cup last summer.

In spite of this early planning, there was always an acceptance that the official tournament draw could drastically change their logistical arrangements.

Knockout Stage Travel Plans

The Three Lions have the eighth most arduous group stage draw in terms of travel distance. Winning Group L would set England on track for a last-32 game in Atlanta, then a potential last-16 match in Mexico City.

• Significant Change: The FA may decide to move between venues for the knockout stages should England progress, a significant departure from its usual practice of having a fixed tournament base.
• FIFA Encouragement: FIFA is believed to be actively encouraging such a flexible strategy for the vast 2026 tournament.

Once the training base is confirmed, the FA will focus on organizing two warm-up matches in Florida at the beginning of June.