England’s World Cup basecamp in Kansas City has become a lounge for low‑key competition as the squad leans on card games to cement unity. After two weeks away from the pitch, Thomas Tuchel’s staff have added Sky Jo to the roster, a numbers‑based card game supplied by Jude Bellingham that they play during their free periods, before dinner daily. The novelty aims to keep players relaxed while they chase a deep tournament run.

Midfielder Morgan Rogers described a typical evening: cyclists pedalling to a coffee shop, then shuffling cards until someone tops 100 points, at which moment the lowest scorer claims victory. Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson have all been hooked, with Rogers even beating Bellingham in a round. The camp also rotates Wolf and the app‑driven Imposter to vary the challenge, and the laughter echoed throughout the lounge.

Beyond cards, Tuchel and captain Harry Kane have taken the squad to Sporting KC games and local concerts, while staff sprinkle family photos throughout the dorms. Such off‑field rituals aim to forge a club‑like atmosphere that mirrors England’s on‑pitch ambitions. The clear result: a tightly knit group that can focus on the next match and maintain focus.