Southampton spied on Middlesbrough before beating them in the Championship play-off semi-finals, and Thomas Tuchel is keen to ensure that none of England's opponents do the same during the World Cup19:00, 22 May 2026England announce 2026 World Cup squad with Beatles themed videoFA chiefs will put extra security around their World Cup training base to stop a repeat of Spygate happening in the United States. England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed they have already looked at protection around their training pitches in Kansas City before they fly out on June 1.‌Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs after the EFL imposed the ultimate sanction when the South Coast club were caught spying on Middlesbrough before their semi-final. England face Croatia, Panama and Ghana this summer and Tuchel is clearly keen to stop any chance of their training methods and sessions being spied upon.‌They are basing themselves in Kansas City throughout the tournament and their pitch is wide open so they plan to erect some extra screens. Tuchel said: "We will take care of that, of course.‌"As good as possible and not in a crazy way. It is what it is. As you all know, Argentina had the first option to choose a very secluded high-end facility in Kansas.WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayREAD MORE: Cole Palmer sent brutal reality check over World Cup axe by Thomas Tuchel‌"So like always, you try to influence what you can influence. We are very happy with the training facility, especially what the FA and all the people in charge made now out of it."I think it suits all of our needs. But I agree it can be overlooked. I think we will have security there and we will build a bit of protection."Because of course it's crucial if you train on a minus-one you do your team build-ups, you do your set pieces, you finalise with penalties … you don’t want the opponent to know. It just gives you a crucial advantage. So we're trying to be as private as possible."‌Tuchel also said that team psychologist Rich Hampson has helped with doing checks on players to ensure they will buy into the squad 'brotherhood' at this summer's tournament. When asked about the psychologist setup, Tuchel added: "They're just part of the process, they're listening to our language."They're just part of our, more or less, part of our meetings in a formal way. They're listening to our language. They're listening to to how we talk about players, how we talk about the setup of teams, and then he is part of our staff.What do you make of the England squad? Have your say in the comments section.‌"Rich is part of the youth teams and develops and observes communication, behaviours, behaviours within the group, behaviours within the matches and compares it to other national teams on the highest level and shows us opportunity where to improve."Meanwhile, Tuchel has revealed he has put players on a secret standby list - but they will have to pass his telephone call test. Tuchel rang around 50 players in the three days before naming his 26 man World Cup squad for the United States this summer.‌They fly to Florida for a pre-tournament training camp on June 1 with Arsenal's players reporting up later following the Champions League final. Alex Scott, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King will also join as part of the training group with another youngster to follow while Tuchel admitted that he has a few possibilities in mind if any of the 26 drop out though injury.But Tuchel said the ultimate test will be if they pick up the phone while on holiday - and be on the next plane even if they are in Australia. They have to be on the 55 long list and FIFA only publish the final 26 on June 2 but there are special last-minute exceptions if someone suffers an injury.‌Tuchel said: "First of all we don't want anyone to be injured but are aware of the possibility that we can bring players. The players all know that."The wording in the phone calls was slightly different from players who were very, very close to a phone call, and we said, 'Listen, you're very, very high up on the list but without promising'."I still think it can make a huge difference who of the central defenders, who of the midfielders needs to be replaced. So you cannot say at once, 'Then I pick you', and I didn't do this. The wording was kind of different.‌"The ones who were close, and to be totally open the reaction also of the players towards the disappointment just also plays a factor. Because I learned a lot yesterday from all the phone calls."And it gave me just confirmation, who would pick the phone up happily when we call. Even in Australia on holiday. Who will be actually, "When do I have to be where'?"Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowREAD MORE: POLL: Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire & Phil Foden AXED from England's World Cup squad - have your say