Thomas Tuchel has conceded that he may find himself in hot water with club managers this summer, despite his belief that it shouldn't be the case. The England manager has enjoyed a successful start to his tenure, securing victories against Albania and Latvia in the initial World Cup qualifiers.
However, the real challenge lies ahead when the squad reconvenes in June. England is scheduled to play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier, followed by a friendly against Senegal in Nottingham. The Andorra match is slated for June 7 in Barcelona, with the Senegal game three days later.
The issue arises as these matches fall between the Champions League final and the commencement of the FIFA Club World Cup in America on June 14. This scheduling clash will put immense pressure on the players involved.
Despite Chelsea and Manchester City players being required to join their clubs in America three days before the Club World Cup starts, the FA has confirmed that Tuchel can still select them for the Senegal match if he wishes, which will not go down well with Enzo Maresca or Pep Guardiola.
Tuchel is eager to keep the core of his squad together during this international break as he prepares for next year's World Cup. This could potentially incite the ire of club managers.
Tuchel has expressed his concerns about the lack of rest for his players and has called on FIFA to either cancel or reschedule the June international break.
Tuchel expressed his concerns, stating: "I am just worried about the pause of the players. I am not so concerned about the amount of games the players play in total. I am more concerned that they never have a real break, of three to four weeks. Maybe they have three weeks holiday, but maybe after five days they play another competition. That's the problem.
"They should have a minimum three, or three-and-a-half weeks, of preparation and then it would be better for everyone. In general, being a club coach or international coach, the FIFA June window is I think debatable if it makes sense. So the June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players.
"But it's there. I think it's FIFA who can maybe align the calendar, and maybe find a gap where we put this window somewhere else, to open the window for the better of the players."
With over 10 players potentially involved in the Club World Cup, Tuchel will face some significant selection decisions. He hinted at possible changes ahead of the Senegal game, saying: "We have some time to think about the selection. It is between the Champions League final and the Club World Cup. It is one qualifier, and maybe the chance to change the squad a bit in between, and give players the chance to play the friendly who are not involved in the World Club Cup. We will see."