When you’re aiming to win a World Cup, comfort zones need to go.
That’s exactly what Thomas Tuchel is preaching as he gets the England squad ready for next year’s scorching showdown in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
With temperatures expected to push past 30°C in several host cities—think Dallas and Monterrey—Tuchel is throwing his players straight into the fire…
literally.
Swapping Training Fields for a Sauna-Like Tent
Rather than relying on the pleasant Spanish weather during their training camp in Girona, Tuchel has had his players sweating it out in a 36°C heat chamber.
That’s hotter than Girona’s breezy 25°C with 60% humidity, and much closer to the sweltering, lung-choking 93% humidity they’ll face in Dallas.
Players have been put through 45-minute high-intensity bike sessions in the tent—designed to mimic what they’ll experience on the pitch next summer.
And they aren’t just guessing who’s handling it well.
This is where tech comes into play.
Swallowing Smart Pills to Track the Heat Inside
Each player swallows a £60 electronic pill, which travels through their digestive system while collecting real-time data on body temperature, heart rate, and more.
It might sound sci-fi, but it’s already been used in elite sports, including the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships.
With this data, England’s backroom team can spot who’s overheating fastest and when performance starts to drop off—critical insights that might just determine who gets subbed off in the 70th minute of a high-stakes World Cup match.
Not Just a Gimmick – It’s Changing the Way They Train
This isn’t about fancy toys or gadgets for show.
It’s about understanding the body in extreme conditions, and some players are already feeling the difference.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze admitted:
“45 minutes on a bike is a long time! But it really helped us learn how our bodies react.
You’re literally feeling how hot you are as you push through the session.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also chimed in:
“It was tough.
We had to stay at a certain wattage the whole time—it definitely pushed us.”
Beyond the Pill – A Smarter Way to Win
This high-tech preparation goes far beyond what Gareth Southgate’s team did before the 2022 World Cup.
It’s not about gimmicks or doping—no substances involved—just smart monitoring.
The data gathered is expected to shape hydration plans, fitness recovery schedules, and even match tactics.
Eyes on the Prize as World Cup Qualifiers Roll On
With the heat-proofing in full swing, England has already made a solid start under Tuchel.
Wins against Albania (2-0) and Latvia (3-0) in their first World Cup qualifiers suggest things are heading in the right direction.
Next up? A Saturday clash with Andorra, as the Three Lions aim to build momentum and prove they’re not just equipped for the heat—but for global glory.