https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44138600
Southgate finally announces his 23 man squad and I think his biggest concern is piecing together a group of players who can last a full footie tournament such as this one in Russia. The demands of a Premiership season are gruelling and IMO a lotta players seriously wanna 'hit the beaches' and 'chill' - let their bodies, muscles relax for a decent period. The sudden resurrection of a demanding footie tourney really will not be perfect for many of these players and that will be evident on the pitch. Playing a one off game of footie at a high level is fine but consistently doing it is a far bigger challenge than many people realise and esp in very hot conditions.
Southgate finally announces his 23 man squad and I think his biggest concern is piecing together a group of players who can last a full footie tournament such as this one in Russia. The demands of a Premiership season are gruelling and IMO a lotta players seriously wanna 'hit the beaches' and 'chill' - let their bodies, muscles relax for a decent period. The sudden resurrection of a demanding footie tourney really will not be perfect for many of these players and that will be evident on the pitch. Playing a one off game of footie at a high level is fine but consistently doing it is a far bigger challenge than many people realise and esp in very hot conditions.