Reece James Warns of "Super Difficult" Conditions for England at World Cup

Reece James has highlighted the challenges that England will face during the 2026 World Cup, particularly concerning the extreme heat expected in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament hosts. After experiencing similar conditions firsthand while captaining Chelsea to victory in the Club World Cup, James believes adjustments to kick-off times may be necessary to help players cope with the stifling temperatures.

James noted that later kick-offs would significantly benefit performance, especially given the intense heat that players encountered during the Club World Cup. He shared that Chelsea players found the conditions challenging during their tournament run and are eager to avoid similar difficulties in the World Cup.

While discussing the heat, James pointed out that adapting to such a climate can be tough for players used to different conditions, especially those from England. He expressed hopes that FIFA would take players' experiences into account when scheduling matches.

As England approaches its warm-weather training camp in Florida, the coaching staff is working on strategies to counter the challenges posed by the heat. James is determined to be part of the squad this time, after setbacks in previous tournaments due to injuries. He emphasized his focus on staying healthy and performing consistently leading up to the World Cup.

With the tournament looming and conditions being a vital factor, England's preparations will be crucial to their success as they aim to make a significant impact in the competition.