KEEPING FOCUS IS ON TIMETABLE

THE unprecedented length of matches in Qatar has prompted Gareth Southgate to demand his players stay switched on for at least 100 minutes.

England’s match against Iran took 117 minutes to complete, while Argentina against Saudi Arabia ran for 108. While both were extended by significant injuries, it was in line with a tournament trend.

Total added time has passed 100 minutes following a FIFA directive to referees to clamp down on timewasting.

And despite thumping Iran 6-2, Southgate insisted England will have to improve against the USA - no matter how long it takes to get the job done. “We’re going to have to be better than we were for 95 or 100 – however many minutes – we’re going to play next game,” said the Three Lions boss.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez (above) has called for a change in the way games are timed.

The former Everton boss yesterday suggested a move towards a rugbystyle game clock which is stopped for injuries or VAR decisions.

“Timekeeping is an issue in the modern game and something that needs to be tackled,” said Martinez.

“I think there’s a question of whether we should try to find a different way. Should we do a stopwatch in the last 20 minutes instead?”