Expert: England’s Mental Struggles Outweigh Physical, Southgate’s Spa Recovery Plan Backed by Science

The European Championship group stage is two games in, and England’s performance has been underwhelming, failing to live up to their status as one of the favorites. UK media have been offering advice to manager Gareth Southgate, with The Daily Telegraph suggesting that psychological issues might be a key factor behind the team’s poor showing. Southgate has already implemented targeted measures.

Michel Platini once said that England are “lions in winter and sheep in summer.” Southgate has previously highlighted player fatigue and physical issues, which have become evident as the tournament progresses. According to FIFAPro’s senior advisor, Dr. Craig Burgess, the choice of training base will be crucial for England’s upcoming matches.

For Euro 2020, Southgate chose a remote golf spa resort in Weimar as the team’s base, complete with spa facilities, swimming pools, saunas, wellness rooms, and rehabilitation centers. Burgess commented, “This is no coincidence. Anything involving float tanks, saunas, and anything that gets you away from your phone will be beneficial for both mental and physical recovery.”

Burgess emphasizes the importance of mental massage within the team’s physiotherapy approach, stating, “Emphasizing recovery is crucial, like scheduling meetings and tactics to allow players to sleep in, combined with balanced nutrition, aids both physical and mental recuperation.” Data supports Burgess’s theory, with England’s players carrying high match loads compared to other teams in the competition. For instance, Jude Bellingham, at under 21 years old, has already played 18,751 minutes for club and country, while at the same age, Wayne Rooney had played 15,481 minutes, Steven Gerrard 7,034 minutes, and David Beckham 3,929 minutes.

Burgess has “full confidence” in England’s medical and conditioning staff and adds that Southgate must consider how to provide psychological respite for his players. He says, “Players also face mental pressure. Poor performances can have consequences, even from seemingly insignificant social media perspectives, adding extra stress. Those who play fewer minutes are less exposed. I have no doubt that players need both mental and physical rest. Given limited Christmas breaks, intense training, and the high scrutiny on England, many may be dealing with residual mental and physical fatigue.”