Thomas Tuchel puts England doctor on standby for transfer medicals as he reveals ‘policy’ for deals at World Cup - 'We will not stand in their way'
Updated 06/06/2026 at 14:51 GMT+1
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England's players are free to complete transfers during the World Cup finals - if they apply "common sense" and stay focused, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.
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The summer transfer window opens on Monday, June 15, two days before The Three Lions' World Cup opener against Croatia.
Tuchel joked that England's team doctor could help with any medicals, as long as potential transfers do not hinder match preparation.
"It's about common sense," he said in a press conference ahead of Saturday's warm-up match against New Zealand in Florida. "I would not like [transfer business being done on] the day before a match, or on a matchday. That's the policy. Maybe two days before too, but let's see.
"But everything else - if it's done privately, efficiently and quietly - then we are always happy to help. It helps to have clarity around any player. If anyone has a chance to complete a change of club, we will not stand in their way.
"But it has to align with our schedule and our goals, which is to be focused and prepared for matches. No player has approached me yet, but our doctor is ready to do any medicals."
The likes of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford have been the subject of transfer speculation, while defender John Stones is a free agent after leaving Manchester City.
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"The question is how much to worry," Tuchel added. "If I told players to not deal with it now, their telephone will still blow up. How do we want to control that?
"I'm always there to help, I'm always there to calm things down. We should help them to have their own environment where they can handle the distraction and dive in, concentrate - and do the most to fulfil their role we have made for them.
"I can see the distraction if clubs want to sign you, and sporting directors, agents and coaches are trying to get you on the phone. It's a reality.
"We will always recommend a player to take a decision before a tournament starts, and as early as possible, but it's not always possible for the player. We're not alone in this, it's just how it plays out."
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When do England play at the World Cup?
The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign with a group match against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 in Dallas, with kick-off at 21:00 UK time.
They then face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, June 23 (21:00 UK time), and Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, June 27 (22:00 UK time).
If Tuchel's team top Group L, they would face one of eight third-placed teams on Wednesday, July 1 in Atlanta, with a kick-off of 17:00 UK time.
If England finish second, their round-of-32 match will be on Friday, July 3 in Toronto at 00:00 UK time, while a third-place finish would likely mean a 02:30 UK time kick-off on Saturday, July 4 in Kansas City.
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