FA risk row with Premier League clubs over plans to stage two friendlies in the USA amid ongoing strike threats from players over fixture schedule

The Football Association are on a collision course with top-flight clubs over plans for two lucrative summer England friendlies in the USA. Talks are underway for potential games against America and either Mexico or Canada, who are also co-hosting the World Cup 2026, during the June international window - which will be new head coach Thomas Tuchel’s second camp in charge. Thomas Tuchel returns to management with the Three Lions and will take over in 2025 He could face fellow former Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino - now in charge of the USA men's national team Nevertheless, plans to play to non-competitive fixtures at the end of the season will likely concern clubs whose players are already threatening to strike owing to their energy-sapping schedule. Everton keeper Pickford has been the national team’s first choice keeper ever since World Cup 2018 as he established himself as Gareth Southgate’s undisputed No 1. Jordan Pickford faces pressure to hold onto his No 1 shirt for the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup Meanwhile, Tuchel is looking to finalise his staff with Chelsea goalkeeper coach Hilario, with whom he worked with at Stamford Bridge, understood to be among his targets.