England lost out to their arch-rivals in the battle to secure the best training facilities at the venue. Both countries, along with the Netherlands and Algeria, are based in Kansas.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi at his training base in Kansas City (Image: Getty Images)
England lost the battle to secure the best training facilities in the host city, losing to arch-rivals and reigning world champions Argentina. Both countries are based in Kansas City, Missouri, along with teams from the Netherlands and Algeria. The city’s location in the Midwest has proven popular with competing nations. Ideally located to watch games from across the United States during the biggest tournament in history. Argentina has secured the Sporting KC Training Center, which is considered the best base in the city. For Thomas Tuchel, the location provided important additional elements: heat and humidity.
Argentina national team training camp in Kansas City (Image: Getty Images)
England could head to the iconic Azteca Stadium for a last-16 clash with hosts Mexico on Monday, July 6. However, the Three Lions faced stiff competition to secure a practice facility in Kansas. Located on the outskirts of the city, Swope Park has beautiful grounds and a large playing field.
FIFA World Cup flags fly all the way to the motorway entrance, and the Union flag now flies proudly alongside the Stars and Stripes. The sign reads “House of England” and bears the Three Lions coat of arms. But it is not as impressive as the £56 million performance center that defending champions Argentina have built near the city.
Mirror reporter Jeremy Armstrong at England’s training ground in Kansas (Image: Andrew Stenning/Daily Mirror)
And according to locals, the Netherlands and Algeria were also based nearby and scored. The Dutch team is based at the KC training facility used by the Kansas State women’s team, which also includes a brand new hotel. They have Virgil van Dijk, Codi Gakpo and Ryan Gravenbirch, the Reds’ signature players that Liverpool fans around the world follow.
They will play alongside Spurs’ Micky van de Ven, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Bert Verbruggen.
“The atmosphere in the camp is very good and the facilities are perfect,” a source told the Mirror. “The KC Training Facility is used by the women’s team here and the facility is truly second to none.”
England fans first arrive at team training ground in Kansas – Stephen Willis and Zena Willis (Image: Andrew Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Algeria has secured a state-of-the-art gym and training complex at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, about 40 minutes west of Kansas.
Tuchel appears to have prioritized “peace and quiet” and chose the privacy and relaxed atmosphere of the Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village on the outskirts of the city.
Chris Thomas, 40, an expat from Leeds, sells traditional British pies at a street food company called Brit Boy in Kansas.
He is an avid Manchester United fan and moved to Kansas four years ago.
(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
“Argentina won the practice field battle,” he said. “Their facility is state-of-the-art, and the Algerian facility also cost millions of dollars. The Dutch facility is where the Kansas women’s team plays, and it’s also very impressive.”
“I think that’s why England chose peace and quiet. I think England has its own chefs and the local staff in the hotels were furloughed for the World Cup.”
But he added, “What England gets in Kansas is a real taste of America. Of all the places I’ve lived here, this is my favorite place in America.”
“This area is known for its hospitality and there are good golf courses if you want to play in your free time.
“And when they go out on the street, no one bothers them. NFL players go out to eat at restaurants, but they’re always left alone.”
“There are some good bars and the locals love going out for a drink, so it’s very British in that sense.
“They respect their privacy when they are with their families.”
