Gareth Southgate has no plans to name a vice-captain for the World Cup after appointing Harry Kane as England’s leader. Southgate wants a team culture in which all of his players are encouraged to develop leadership skills and is reluctant to make an appointment that could limit his selection options. Jordan Henderson would be expected to take the armband if Kane went off and is part of the players’ leadership group with the captain and Eric Dier. Ashley Young has been earmarked as an addition to the players’ committee in the absence of Joe Hart. Germany’s mini-breakGermany are so relaxed about defending the World Cup that Joachim Löw, the coach, has organised for his squad to have a mini-break during the tournament.

Source: The Times May 25, 2018 15:56 UTC