How England will counter Qatar heat as World Cup opener approaches

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.

England’s players cool off in mist machines at their pitchside ‘heat shack’ during training

England have been deliberately training in the hottest temperatures so the players can get adjusted to Qatar’s extreme heat. Marcus Rashford is pictured

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.

Eric Dier takes on board water during a training session in the warm weather on Friday

James Maddison is having his training load managed after he picked up a knee problem

It is also hoped that the earlier training sessions will guard against mental fatigue and ease biorhythm functions.

Moving forward England will amend their training schedule accordingly as they approach each fixture. It is understood Friday and Saturday’s sessions will be held closer to 4pm so to replicate the conditions for the game versus Iran.

The games against the USA and Wales are both played at 10pm when temperatures are significantly cooler. The knockout games will also be played when the sun has set.

To reduce the impact of the heat during training, a mist machine – nicknamed ‘the heat shack’ – has been installed on the side of England’s training pitch.

Players are also using ice towels, a tactic they first used during the opening game of last year’s European Championships against Croatia.

Ice packs and ice vests have also been offered to players during their training sessions to keep them cool.

The sky-high temperatures in last year’s clash against Croatia and Wembley has been used as a reference point by England staff as they look to psychologically prepare the players for the game against Iran.

Temperatures could reach as high as 29 degrees in the Khalifa Stadium on Monday afternoon, and even though air conditioning will reduce the impact of the heat – England are taking every precaution to ensure their players are completely prepared.

The impact of soaring temperatures on players is a topic that has been significantly researched by Football Association staff since 2017 in preparation for the last World Cup in Russia.

The mist machines in the ‘heat shack’ provide England players with welcome relief in Qatar

England players have commented on the heat during training sessions as their bodies adapt

They have analysed how other sports cope with heat during their research and believe they have taken the appropriate measures to help optimise performance in hot conditions.

Meanwhile, there is growing expectancy that Southgate will select Harry Maguire in Monday’s opener against Iran, despite the Manchester United’s troubled domestic campaign.

Maguire has hardly played at club level this season which has led to intense scrutiny over his position in England’s starting XI.

However, Maguire is in line to start against Iran in what would be a massive show of faith from Southgate.

But there is increasing concern of James Maddison’s involvement in Monday’s clash as he missed training for the second consecutive day.

The team have been offered ice towels and ice vests to regulate their body temperatures

The Leicester midfielder missed Thursday’s session, his omission explained as management of his training load.

But Maddison skipped training again on Friday to raise further doubts over his role in Monday’s opener against Iran.

The attacker did appear momentarily with the rest of his team mates, but promptly walked back indoors as the session got started.

It was also noticeable that he was wearing trainers and football boots.

Maddison limped off with a knee problem in the first half of Leicester’s win at West Ham on Saturday.