England plans extra friendly with Sporting Kansas City between World Cup games

The English Football Association is considering an extra friendly match with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City during the World Cup tournament. BBC reports the proposed game would be scheduled between England’s Wednesday clash with Croatia and the Tuesday encounter with Ghana, pending confirmation of details and opponent. The FA has entered discussions with Sporting Kansas City for a closed‑door fixture. The association indicated that the opponent and exact arrangements still require final approval. If approved, the friendly would be held in Kansas City, where England is based for the tournament. The fixture is planned as a closed event, restricting public access.

England face World Cup without Livramento, Chalobah named replacement

England previously arranged a training match against Miami FC, another MLS side. Two key players, Jürgen Locadia and Eloy Room, missed that session because they were representing Curaçao at the World Cup. The English squad shares its accommodation in Kansas City with other nations, including the Netherlands and Argentina. The presence of a local club provides a convenient opponent for additional practice. Sporting Kansas City is coached by Raphael Wicky, a former Atlético Madrid and Hamburg player. The club competes in Major League Soccer. The FA expects the friendly to keep squad members who are not featuring in the World Cup matches match‑fit. Organising the game would therefore help maintain fitness levels across the entire roster.