Southgate worried about potential for England burnout

Gareth Southgate fears England’s top stars will be burnt out by the time the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament comes around next year.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been critical of the Premier League for their refusal to follow other European leagues and sanction the use of five substitutes.

This season’s matches have been squeezed into a shorter timeframe due to the impact of the coronavirus, which delayed the completion of the 2019-20 season.

Speaking at a media conference following the draw for the World Cup qualifying groups for Qatar 2022, the England manager joined Klopp in expressing his fears over the workload placed on some players.

“I think all coaches are concerned about the number of matches,” Southgate said.

“It’s not one area in particular, it’s the overall volume. We’re in a shortened season. No winter break, which was deemed to be a good idea last year.

“We’ve got the issue over the substitutions. We’ve known that. When the debate comes up, we were on to how difficult September would be as soon as the leagues restarted again.

CONFIRMED: Here are the groups for @UEFA‘s #WCQ on the road to #WorldCup Qatar 2022!

Which games stand out to YOU? pic.twitter.com/sLsXolLR3t

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 7, 2020

“Everyone else came to that decision, a bit later. Jurgen will be like me, looking at what will March be like.

“For the top players in particular, they are the ones that play European, International and league football.

“What we’ve tried to affect, we lobbied UEFA for five substitutes. I know there are talks about the FA Cup going that route.

“I would think Jurgen would be frustrated because in Germany, they work so closely together. I see the logic in what they’re saying.

“A compact season like this is always a concern, with what you will get at the end of it.”

Southgate admitted it was challenge of his job to have a constructive dialogue with Premier League managers, who he acknowledged are under intense pressure, over the handling of players.

100% – England have won 100% of their matches against Albania (4), Andorra (4) and San Marino (6) in all competitions. Mismatch. pic.twitter.com/LaCWO4VLdb

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 7, 2020

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho recently questioned whether Southgate bowed to pressure from Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola when Raheem Sterling pulled out of England squad through injury.

Sterling then appeared in City’s next match against Tottenham while Spurs had three players who all featured in games for England.

Southgate added: “We have the most intense competition at the top of our league.

“We have some very successful managers who have huge motivation, all of our clubs with huge motivation and responsibilities.

“Nearly all of our squad are playing in England, and our league is very different. It’s one of the additional situations as England manager you have to deal with.

“It’s always important to have respectful relationships, but the reality is our objectives are different. They are the clubs’ players, we have to respect that.”