England are the team that stand to gain most from a World Cup played in winter, according to former Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham.
With the opening game in Qatar between the hosts and Senegal just 90 days away, it won't be long until the attention turns towards the first World Cup outside of the normal summer scheduling.
Much has been written about the circumstances surrounding the decision to award the event to Qatar, the implications of it and the continued human rights issues, but with regards to matters on the pitch, enforced breaks in domestic seasons will alter the landscape of the campaign.
The Premier League will see its first winter break, and speaking on RTÉ Sport’s Champions League coverage tonight, the former Wimbledon and Birmingham City centre-half says the timing of the World Cup should be a significant benefit to Gareth Southgate and his England team.
Kenny Cunningham believes that the November-December World Cup is going to suit England, as players will be at their absolute peak heading into the Qatar tournament. #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/bUxmdkfNKx
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 23, 2022
"Of all the teams in the tournament, I think it will benefit England the most of all," he said.
"I think England were always at a disadvantage going into competitions in the summer off the back of a long domestic campaign with no winter break.
"European clubs had an advantage in that respect, in terms of being in a better place physically, and also without the mental fatigue.
"For me personally, I always felt when November came around, I was at my peak.
"When the World Cup comes around, the players will be absolutely ready.
"It strengthens England most of all."
