THOMAS TUCHEL knocked it out the park against Croatia – and then threw the first pitch in a Kansas baseball match.
The England boss, fresh off masterminding Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Croatia, went from gaffer to pitcher as he chucked the ceremonial opening ball of the clash between Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday evening.
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Thomas Tuchel threw the first pitch in a Kansas baseball match Credit: AP
The England boss was sporting a Kansas City Royals jersey for the game against the St. Louis Cardinals Credit: Reuters
Also present at the Kauffman Stadium, east of central Kansas City, were Three Lions captain Harry Kane plus defenders Dan Burn and Djed Spence.
The trio watched on and then applauded as Tuchel, dressed in a Royals baseball jersey, threw his pitch to the MLB side’s manager Matt Quataro.
Tuchel and his three attending players held up specially-made, red England baseball kits.
It came just a day after the home-run win over Luka Modric and Co in Dallas which kicked off England’s World Cup campaign in style.
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Spence and Burn are believed to have played in a behind-closed-doors friendly with local MLS side Sporting Kansas FC on Thursday afternoon, before they went to the baseball.
Kane, who netted twice against the Croats, is known for his love of American sports.
He has even suggested previously he would be keen to try his hand at being an NFL kicker after he hangs up his football boots.
While Burn also is keen on his Gridiron, revealing himself to be a glory-hunting Pittsburgh Steelers supporter.
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The towering Newcastle defender told local reporters last week: “I’m a big fan of America and American sports so I know the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I’m actually a Pittsburgh Steelers fan but I’m excited to be here. In a new place I’ve never visited before.
“They won the year I started watching. I was a bit of a glory-hunter.”
The majority of Tuchel’s backroom staff were also in attendance to watch their boss throw.
They included No2 Anthony Barry, goalkeeping coach Hilario, coach Justin Cochrane and lead analyst James Melbourne.
Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Harry Kane were also in attendance Credit: Getty
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