sport news Gareth Southgate admits England's World Cup preparations will be affected by ... trends now

'How much control will we have over the players? None': Gareth Southgate says England's World Cup preparations will be hit by the mid-season start, and admits concern over the 'element of the unknown' There are eight days between final Premier League game and World Cup opener Boss Gareth Southgate has admitted that England's preparations will be affected Southgate has previously spoken at length about concerns over player fatigue He has also revealed fears that clubs may withhold details on their stars' fitness

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:32 BST, 12 June 2022 | Updated: 22:32 BST, 12 June 2022

View
comments

Gareth Southgate admits England's World Cup preparations will be affected by the tournament kicking off mid-season.

There is just an eight day turnaround between the final Premier League game on November 13 and England's opening group game in Qatar against Iran on November 22.

Southgate has spoken at length about his concerns over player fatigue heading into the tournament, particularly given some players - including captain Harry Kane - are set to have just three weeks to recuperate before the start of pre-season.

Gareth Southgate has admitted England's World Cup preparations will be hit by its start date

And Southgate has admitted he has zero control over how his England stars will be used ahead of the World Cup - and even revealed concerns that clubs could withhold information about their players.

'How much control will we have over the players? None,' said Southgate.

'But information sharing is pretty good