England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel, who is German-born, has pledged to sing the national anthem if the team advances to the World Cup final on July 19. Tuchel, who previously remained silent during “God Save The King” at England’s matches, acknowledged he is still hesitant but may join in if the occasion calls for it. Speaking ahead of England’s opening group game against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Tuchel said he is “still a bit shy” but suggested he knows the anthem’s lyrics and might sing at the tournament’s climax.

Tuchel arrived in Dallas with his 26-man squad on Monday evening after a final training session in Kansas City. The team is preparing for the highly anticipated opener in a stadium that can seat 80,000 fans. The squad’s morale reportedly remains high despite challenges, including a theft of equipment and a tornado alert during training. However, the team suffered a setback when Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement.

The team is staying at The Adolphus hotel in downtown Dallas while receiving a warm welcome from thousands of England supporters flooding the city. Fans have been seen preparing enthusiastically, with some spending substantial amounts to attend the matches. Joe Tolley, a 26-year-old teacher from Leeds, said he has saved for years to afford the trip along with friends. He and others paid thousands for flights, accommodation, and tickets, reflecting the high demand and interest in England’s World Cup campaign.

Ticket prices for the tournament have surged significantly, with resale prices on official platforms exceeding £1,000 for some seats—more than double the cost from early June. Many fans unable to secure tickets expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about potential last-minute bargains or planned to enjoy the matches in local pubs. Andy Thompson, a 46-year-old fan from Birmingham, said he would soak up the atmosphere regardless of whether he could get a ticket.

Local venues near the stadium are preparing for large crowds and have increased their stock of beer to accommodate the influx of supporters. Some pubs, like The Hooligan and The Londoner, have promised substantial drink supplies and security measures to ensure a safe and lively environment. Temperatures are forecast to reach 34°C (93.2°F) on match day, and while public drinking laws in Dallas are strict, local police indicated they would exercise discretion as long as fans behave responsibly.

Tuchel’s willingness to potentially join the anthem singing stands in contrast to previous foreign England managers, such as Fabio Capello, who remained silent during the anthem, and Sven-Göran Eriksson, who attempted to sing but struggled with the words. Other national team coaches have varied in their approach, with Sweden’s English manager Graham Potter known to sing his anthem, while Argentina-born Mauricio Pochettino, coaching the USA, typically does not. As England embarks on their World Cup journey under Tuchel’s guidance, anticipation and passion among supporters continue to build in the lead-up to the tournament’s first game.