England head coach Thomas Tuchel faces a dilemma over releasing his players early next month before the Club World Cup.
His side are scheduled to play two games in June – a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona on 7 June before a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham Forest three days later.
The game at the City Ground on 10 June takes place just four days before the club tournament starts in the USA.
Players from Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – who are all involved in the inaugural Club World Cup – could all be selected in Tuchel’s squad for the international double-header.
Clubs involved in the FIFA event are eager for the Football Association to release players after the Andorra game but, as things stand, it is understood Tuchel is minded to keep his squad together for the Senegal friendly.
The FA is to hold further meetings when its stance regarding Club World Cup players will be confirmed.
Although in its annual report released last week,
, external
the FA cited the tournament as a “significant challenge” for “protecting player welfare” which could also have “financial implications”.
“These changes have the potential to significantly reduce the downtime available to elite players, affecting their recovery and overall wellbeing,” the FA report said.
“The introduction of more global competitions risks devaluing traditional domestic tournaments, such as the FA Cup. and may affect the performance of our national teams due to increased player fatigue and reduced time for international squad training.”
In his first meeting with his players since being appointed Gareth Southgate’s successor, Tuchel told his players they only have a minimal period working together before next summer’s World Cup.
Tuchel and the FA’s decision over releasing players could impact as many as 12 players.
Chelsea contingent Cole Palmer, Reece James, Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke could be selected by Tuchel.
Players from Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – who are all involved in the inaugural Club World Cup – could all be selected in Tuchel’s squad for the international double-header.
Captain Harry Kane is at Bayern Munich while Jude Bellingham plays for Real Madrid and fellow midfielder Conor Gallagher for Atletico Madrid.
