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of England’s World Cup squad will have to cope with not getting any game time in Russia. But manager Gareth Southgate will understand their disappointment, having gone through the same experience in 2002. And one of the FA executives on that Far Eastern trip remembers how well Southgate conducted himself when not in the side. Meanwhile, preparation for England’s arrival at their base in Repino yesterday included ensuring there are heavy black curtains in all the players’ rooms to help them sleep. High summer at these latitudes means it’s light for nearly 20 hours a day.