Fatigue fears for Chelsea as England’s World Cup hopes rest on former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel

By beating ES Tunis 3-0 in their final FIFA Club World Cup Group stage game, Chelsea qualified for the Round of 16, where they will face Spanish side, Benfica.

With the competition only set to get more difficult as the rounds progress, there are concerns over the fitness and wellbeing of the players.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s deputy content editor Nicole Powell explores the mounting fixture pressure after a former footballer voiced concern over Chelsea’s intense schedule - a challenge that could also affect England’s World Cup ambitions, given the strong link between club and country.

Too much football?

Shaun Wright-Phillips, who once dazzled down the flanks for both Chelsea and England, has sounded a note of caution ahead of a packed 2025 calendar for two of his former clubs.

The ex-winger is worried that Chelsea's involvement in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup could have long-term consequences on their domestic and European campaigns.

Speaking exclusively to Prime Casino, Wright-Phillips admitted he was concerned about the physical toll of a demanding summer tournament, especially with the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups to follow.

“Going into the season, that might have a benefit, but then with a draining, long Premier League season alongside the Champions League and the cup competitions, they could definitely tail off with fatigue,” he said.

Chelsea are representing England alongside Manchester City at the Club World Cup in the United States, and while Wright-Phillips acknowledges the fitness benefits of playing high-tempo matches over the summer, he believes the fatigue could catch up with players at the business end of the season.

“There will be a lot of rest days needed and given to players, I imagine. I hope they can protect players’ health and welfare.”

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Backing England - and Tuchel - to finally deliver

While Wright-Phillips raised doubts over Chelsea’s schedule, his outlook on England’s national team was far more optimistic.

He believes the Three Lions have the players to go all the way at the next World Cup - and that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could be the key.

“England have an advantage now they have Thomas Tuchel. He’s won so many trophies before, so he knows what it takes to succeed.”

Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, has often been praised for his ability to get the best out of any side.

“We have all the quality players to do it… all the qualities to me are there to win it and lift it. It’s just whether they all show up at the same time.”

With the core of Chelsea's players involved in both the Club World Cup and England’s World Cup campaign, their physical and mental resilience will be seriously tested.

But if Wright-Phillips' belief in Tuchel and England holds true, 2026 could yet be a defining year for both club and country.

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