By Daily Sports on May 18, 2018

England will face problems with fatigue at the World Cup in Russia, says former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson, who led England to three major tournaments, regularly called for the Premier League to have a winter break during his five years in charge.

Asked if tiredness would be problem in Russia, he said: “I’m sure. I guess England managers before me and for sure after me always had the same problem.

“I hope I’m wrong, but I think Gareth Southgate will face that problem too.”

All of England’s 23-man squad have spent the past season playing in the Premier League, which, in contrast to the top flights of Spain, Germany, Italy and France, does not pause for a spell during the winter.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Swede Eriksson, England’s first foreign manager, added: “If you play in the Premier League, you play a lot of games.

“There are two big domestic cups, most England players play in Europe and the league is tough. That’s OK, but the big problem is not having a break.

“That’s the biggest reason why England struggle to make a big impact in big tournaments.”

In February, it was revealed that the Premier League is looking at a way to introduce a winter break from 2020 onwards.

“Congratulations to the Premier League if that is the case,” said Eriksson. “This should have started 20 years ago.”

Eriksson, who took England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, as well as the last eight of the 2004 European Championship, said Southgate has picked a “good squad”.

Southgate, in charge of England at a major tournament for the first time, has included uncapped Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but there is no room for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere.

Experienced goalkeeper Joe Hart misses out in favour of Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope.

“I like the squad,” said Eriksson. “There are a lot of young players, hungry players that want to show what they can do.

“I like the strikers because they can do things on their own, they have pace and they can score goals. I’m very curious to see how they will do. On the counter-attack, having those players available can be very, very dangerous.

“I hope they can go further than I did and reach a semi-final. If so, everything is possible. I hope for Southgate and the players, but especially for the country and the fans. It would be great for them to have a team going further than the quarter-finals.” (BBC)

•Photo shows Erikson with his England players at the World Cup in 2006 

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 18, 2018

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