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England explore extra friendly after Croatia opener
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BBC Sport·in about 5 hours

England explore extra friendly after Croatia opener

Image caption, England were one of two Uefa teams (along with Norway) to win 100% of their games in World Cup qualifying

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, England were one of two Uefa teams (along with Norway) to win 100% of their games in World Cup qualifying

Senior football correspondent in Dallas Published 5 minutes ago England are in talks over a behind-closed-doors game against Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City after the World Cup opener against Croatia.

Any friendly is likely to be played between Wednesday's fixture against Croatia in Dallas (21:00 BST) and England's second group game versus Ghana next Tuesday (21:00 BST).

It is understood that talks over the training match are under way, but sources close to the Football Association say any details or opposition are still to be confirmed.

England are based in Kansas City for the duration of the tournament and train daily at Swope Soccer Village just 15 minutes drive from the city centre.

Sporting KC are managed by former Switzerland international Raphael Wicky.

England have already played one behind-closed-doors game in the USA, against Miami FC during their pre-tournament camp in Florida.

If another friendly goes ahead, it is likely to be used to build match fitness for the players who do not play significant minutes against Croatia.

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Sources: BBC Sport

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