England-Japan water breaks to mimic World Cup conditions
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June [Getty Images] There will be two water breaks during England's friendly against Japan as Thomas Tuchel's side attempt to mirror World Cup conditions. Every game at this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will have a three-minute hydration break in each half to "prioritise player welfare" given the extreme heat that is expected in June and July. As such, Tuesday's game at Wembley will be paused in the 22nd minute and again in the 67th as England try to familiarise themselves with the situation before their opening match against Croatia on 17 June.
"We asked for it to make it like a game in the World Cup, where we will have water breaks," Tuchel said. "We will have a chance, for two or three minutes after 22 minutes in each half, to connect and give feedback. " The 52-year-old German said that England wanted also the breaks during Friday's game against Uruguay but the South American side refused the request.
"They didn't agree to a lot of stuff and that was not the spirit during the match," Tuchel added. There are likely to be further breaks in play with an agreement between England and Japan meaning both sides will be able to make 11 substitutions during the match, rather than the usual five. A recent change brought in by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) means eight substitutions will be permitted during international friendlies from 1 July, but that can be increased to 11 if the two teams agree.
All World Cup matches to have hydration breaks 'Fifa should consider playing World Cup final at 9am' England World Cup subs might stay indoors - Tuchel Hydrations breaks at the World Cup have been brought in after complaints from players and managers during last summer's Club World Cup. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he felt "dizzy" while playing in "very dangerous" heat at the tournament. "I was in the United States last summer for the Club World Cup and the heat was very intense," former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I don't know if water breaks are going to be across the board. There are a number of stadiums that are inside [retractable roof] and are fully air-conditioned like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. "There is no need for water breaks there.