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3 Dec 2009 09:29:53
The Professor of Sport at the University of Bedfordshire has comforting words for England’s footballers ahead of the World Cup draw.
Professor John Brewer was the sports scientist for the England team at Italia ’90 when the late Sir Bobby Robson’s side just missed out on reaching the final.
The draw for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa, which is taking place tomorrow (Friday), could see England play at a number of locations in the first stages of the competition.
In previous World Cups, England have had to face significant challenges from either heat or altitude which may have been a contributory factor behind their lack of success.
However, the good news is that none of the potential venues for South Africa 2010 are likely to result in temperatures that will place a significant stress on the England players.
The tournament will be taking place during the South African winter, and the conditions are likely to be similar to those often encountered in the UK. The warmest venue is likely to be Polokwane in the north, where temperatures could reach 20 degrees celsius - no hotter than an early or late season game in the UK.
Depending on the venue, altitude could be more of an issue for the England team as a number of the venues are located between 4,000 and 5,000 feet.
While this might seem high, in physiological terms it is at the lower end of the range where altitude can affect performance, and similar to the height where many UK residents will find themselves skiing during the coming winter months.
Professor Brewer said: “However, in order to maximise England’s chances of success, the players will need to spend some time adapting to altitude if they find themselves playing at 4,000-5,000 feet, and this should occur reasonably quickly, with ten to 14 days of exposure to altitude being sufficient.
“During this time, the body will adapt to extract and transport oxygen more efficiently from the lungs, so that it can be taken by the blood to the muscles where it is used to assist in the production of energy.”
The highest stadium is in Johannesburg where the World Cup Final will be played on 11 July. So if England are to reach the final and win the World Cup, they will need to ensure that the players have adapted so that they can perform at this altitude.
Professor Brewer added: “If England do play at altitude, the players should be aware that the dynamics of the flight of the ball will also change, due primarily to lower air pressure. The spin and distance travelled by the ball will change, and the players will need to familiarise themselves with this before key matches.”
Latest news» 2009» December» Italia '90 veteran speaks ahead of World Cup draw
