Three Lions find their ‘English cottage’ for the World Cup – and the silver lining for Man United after woeful Money List dip

Elite level footballers often attract criticism for a love of the finer things and a perceived detachment from reality. However, such jibes are unlikely to be aimed at Thomas Tuchel and his England squad during the World Cup. 

Inside Sport understands that the Three Lions are set to be based at a £200-a-night boutique hotel on the outskirts of Kansas City as they seek to bring football home for the first time since 1966. 

According to sources in the US, The Inn at Meadowbrook, in Prairie Village, has emerged as the frontrunner to host Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and co and may well provide a fitting home from home as its design is based on that of an ‘English Cottage’, according to its website.

With 54 rooms, the facility offers ‘contemporary charm’ and features an outdoor pool and hot tub.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon may also be interested to hear that The Inn has a series of trails and bikes to hire. The winger famously took a tumble while the England squad went for a bike ride at their hotel during the European Championship in Germany.

Tuchel himself may well be housed in the ‘Grand Suite’, which features dining for eight, a fireplace and a banquette that overlooks tiered lakes. The suite also features a soaking tub and powder room. 

Thomas Tuchel may wish to gather his squad for lakeside chats at the picturesque complex near Kansas City

Fittingly the hotel bills itself as styled like ‘an English cottage’ full of ‘contemporary charm’

According to booking.com, prices start at £197 per night and, in perhaps a telltale sign, rooms are unavailable to book throughout the duration of the tournament.While formerly a country club, there is no longer a golf course at the park-based hotel, which may disappoint the likes of Kane, who is said to play off three. However, there are pickle ball courts and a number of championship courses within driving distance.

Which rankings list ranks highest?  

The publication of Deloitte’s Money League raised some eyebrows, not least because it placed Manchester United eighth in the list – their lowest ever position – and below the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. However, Old Trafford officials may well point to the recently-issued Forbes list, which claims they are the second-most valuable football club on the planet, behind only Real Madrid. 

While Deloitte focus on revenue (with United’s recent numbers taking a hit thanks to under-performance on the field and a lack of Champions League football), Forbes concentrates more on the long-term value of the business. 

Liverpool were the only other English team to make the top 50 although, perhaps interestingly, in Forbes’ list of the most profitable clubs United finish 11th with Tottenham Hotspur in 12th.

Everything’s bigger in the USA 

In attempting to justify the astronomical prices for World Cup tickets FIFA have quietly pointed out that different rules apply when it comes to the US market. A look at next weekend’s Super Bowl would appear to support that point. 

The cheapest nosebleed seat to see the New England Patriots take on Seattle Seattle Seahawks comes in at close to £4,500 on resale sites. If you want one of the best views at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday night then you are looking at around £31,000 for a lower bowl seat which does not include any corporate hospitality.

Ooh la-la-laboratory 

Paris Saint-Germain’s assault on London is continuing with the arrival of what officials are calling ‘an experiential laboratory’ in Cavendish Square.The French giants opened a store on Oxford Street back in 2023 and will later this month unveil ‘La Maison’, which the club say will ‘deliver unique experiences at the crossroads of sport, culture and Parisian lifestyle’.

The offering will include a training room where visitors can take high-intensity workouts and yoga sessions, a café which offers ‘a curated coffee and patisserie experience’ and a Sneaker Lab. DJs and musicians will perform on the second floor while the third will feature a tasting room and private dining.