Rice has described the first few days in the United States as difficult, with temperatures regularly climbing above 35C. England’s players have had to adjust not only to the heat, but also to how quickly it can drain energy during training and recovery.
The midfielder’s experience explains the importance of the camp’s preparation. Thomas Tuchel’s squad trained in heated environments in Spain before travelling to North America, then continued working in hot conditions in Kansas. The aim is not to make the climate comfortable; it is to make the discomfort familiar.
England’s schedule has already been affected. A final warm-up against Costa Rica in Dallas was delayed by thunderstorms, underlining that the tournament’s weather threat is broader than intense sunshine.
Reports of further storms linked to El Nino add another layer of uncertainty. Coaches may prepare for heat, but sudden interruptions can alter routines, recovery and the rhythm of a matchday. ’s mandatory drinks breaks midway through each half acknowledge the physical demands facing every team.
For a midfielder expected to cover ground and help England control matches, managing energy could be as important as technical execution. Tuchel has acknowledged that the climate will test teams physically and mentally, and Rice’s comments give that warning a human face.
The coming days will reveal whether England’s work in Spain and Kansas has genuinely prepared them. When Croatia arrive in Arlington, the heat will not be a backdrop; it could shape the pace, substitutions and late stages of the contest.