England have hatched a detailed plan to ensure players keep cool and beat the heat in their mission to win the World Cup.
Playing possession-based football is an integral part of the philosophy Gareth Southgate has imposed during his reign and controlling the tempo of matches – particularly during the 4pm opener against Iran on Monday – to minimise the heat’s impact has been re-emphasised to players.
The fact stadiums are air conditioned – which should bring temperatures down to around 23 degrees – will ease the strain of the heat on matchdays.
Nevertheless, England’s experts have implemented a host of measures to ensure the impact on players during matches and training is kept to a minimum.
Temperatures have reached as high as 33 degrees since England’s arrival here on Tuesday night.
Players have trained at 12.30pm for the previous two days, the hottest period of the day.
Squad members have spoken amongst themselves about how hot it has been during their opening sessions at their Al Wakrah Sports Complex.
Staff have stressed to players how vital it is for them to adapt to the heat as quickly as possible, and exposing them to the sweltering midday sun during their opening days here in Qatar is a deliberate ploy to ensure they acclimatise to the temperatures as quickly as possible.
