England making plans for pre-World Cup fixtures with Three Lions on brink of qualification

Nick McGee

England making plans for pre-World Cup fixtures with Three Lions on brink of qualification image

England are reportedly aiming to finalise 2026 World Cup warm-up fixtures with the Three Lions on the brink of qualification for the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel's side are unbeaten in UEFA qualifying Group K, winning all five of their games so far.

They are seven points clear of Albania in second place with three games to play. Serbia are a further point off the pace having played a game fewer, but were thrashed 5-0 at home by England last time out.

England will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if Serbia fail to beat Albania next month and the Three Lions see off Latvia in Riga. 

And with England on the brink of qualification, they are making plans to ensure they are adequately prepared for the tournament next year.

England lining up pre-World Cup tests

According to the BBC's Ian Dennis, England are lining up two friendlies during the March international window against South American and Asian opposition, with Uruguay and Japan discussed as potential opponents.

📲Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

In addition, England are planning two warm-up games in the United States in June ahead of the 48-team tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

While England will be heavily favoured to progress through the group stage of the expanded competition, the friendlies in June will be key to helping them acclimatise to the heat they will likely face during the World Cup.

The issue of heat came into focus during this summer's Club World Cup, with games requiring multiple breaks for water because of the hot weather and several featuring lengthy delays because of storms.

Teams cannot prepare for the latter possibility, but England are clearly aiming to make sure they are ready to handle the conditions as they attempt to end their wait for a first title since the 1966 World Cup.

England news and related links

Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.