‘England Players Will Be Tired At World Cup’- Ex Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson

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.”