England’s modern identity has increasingly revolved around controlling possession, pressing aggressively and forcing opponents into mistakes. That approach demands constant running, sharp reactions and energy late in matches - all qualities that can suffer in extreme heat.
Owen says other teams will face the same climate, but England may feel the pressure differently. A cautious, counter-attacking game could be more practical in difficult conditions, yet he believes supporters would be reluctant to accept a tournament campaign built around sitting deep.
Hydration breaks are expected to offer some relief, but they will not remove the tactical dilemma. England may have to decide whether to press in short bursts, manage possession more patiently or accept that the game becomes less intense.
Owen’s assessment is pessimistic without being dismissive. He described France as “muito melhor” than England, while insisting the squad still has enough quality to compete with strong opponents.
“Obviamente, podemos ganhar, temos um bom time. Mas não acho que sejamos bons o suficiente. Acho que há times melhores do que nós”, Owen said.
His view is that England can reach the quarter-finals or even the semi-finals, but are unlikely to win the tournament. That judgment reflects both a perceived technical gap and the added burden of unfamiliar heat.
England’s opening matches will reveal whether the squad can maintain its intensity without exhausting key players. Rotation, substitutions and game management could prove as important as attacking quality.
The reported fixtures against Croatia, Ghana and Panama will therefore offer more than a route through the group. They will test whether England can adapt its identity before the knockout rounds - and whether Owen’s warning becomes the defining storyline of the campaign.