England's national football team is utilizing off-field games as a strategic tool for team bonding during their World Cup stay in Kansas City. Players are spending their downtime with card games like SkyJo and Imposter, alongside a returning favorite, Wolf, a game similar to the television show "The Traitors." The squad, currently two weeks into their tournament basecamp, could remain for another three weeks if they advance to the final, making entertainment away from the pitch a crucial element for maintaining morale.
SkyJo, a numbers-based card game where the objective is to score low, has been introduced by Jude Bellingham and has quickly gained popularity. Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers described the game to BBC Sport, noting his own success in a recent session. In SkyJo, players collect and exchange cards, aiming to have the lowest score when another player exceeds 100 points.
"A few of us yesterday when we rode our bikes to a coffee shop, played cards," Rogers said. "Jude bought it, it's a bit of a different one. I've never seen it before, but we're addicted at the moment."
Rogers, who has been playing SkyJo with teammates including Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon, and Elliot Anderson, highlighted its addictive nature. He also discussed the dynamic with Bellingham, with whom he is competing for the number 10 position. Despite the rivalry, Rogers emphasized their close relationship and the potential for them to play together.
Imposter is another new addition to the team's recreational activities. According to midfielder Jordan Henderson, players receive a secret word via an app, with one player left unaware of the word. The group's task is then to identify the player who does not know the word.
At previous tournaments, the squad played Wolf. During the build-up to the Euro 2024 final, players even received a message from Claudia Winkleman, the presenter of "The Traitors," after playing the game. The team staff have made efforts to create a comfortable and familiar environment, including personal touches in players' rooms and facilitating leisure activities. Manager Thomas Tuchel, along with players like Harry Kane and Dan Burn, have engaged in local activities, such as visiting the Sporting KC baseball team's grounds. Kane and Burn also attended a concert by country artist Ella Langley.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has prioritized fostering a club-like atmosphere within the national team. The inclusion of these games is seen as integral to building squad cohesion and ensuring players are in the optimal mindset for the competitive demands of the World Cup.