Three Bermudian footballers got a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with England coach Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday.

Chazz Manning, Jason Dixon-DeSilva and Shammai Smith, who are enrolled with Future Pro Academy, had travelled for training at St George’s Park National Football Centre when they bumped into the man who guided England to a third-place finish at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

“During today’s visit to St George’s Park, our scholars had the opportunity to meet England coach Thomas Tuchel,” Future Pro said.

“An incredible experience to meet the man leading the England men’s senior team — and another unique opportunity for our players to experience the environment at the home of England football.

“Training at the home of English football, our scholars had the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities and experience coaching from EFL and Premier League coaches, gaining valuable insight and experience from professionals working at the highest levels of the game.

Manning, Dixon-DeSilva and Smith are part of a growing list of Bermudian footballers developing their skills at the Coventry-based academy.

Kennahz Fray, Harlem Bean-Fox, Jahni Simmons, Shiloh Waite, Chedi Smith, Quincy Raterray, Christian Smith, Tokia Bean and Amir Outerbridge are the other players from the island being prepared for the professional world at the high-performance football and education programme.

Before joining Future Pro Manning, a former Mount St Agnes Academy student, was being mentored at World Sport Academy in Spain.