England gagging order

FIFA, hardly well known for their transparency, were keen to make public the names of all the 35-strong preliminary World Cup squads that had to be lodged in Zurich by yesterday’s deadline.

However, some countries, including England, told FIFA they were not in favour when the issue was raised at a coaches workshop at the draw last December. The FA argued that they did not wish to disappoint players twice — first with the 35 picks and then again when Gareth Southgate names his 23 for the World Cup tomorrow.

But Panama, who England face in their second group game, had no problems with FIFA publishing their initial 35 players.