Southgate says that his players are mentally fatigued after having little rest following the World Cup

Gareth Southgate is concerned that England’s players are mentally fatigued after the World Cup, a problem he believes has been exacerbated by the Premier League season starting 26 days after his side’s final game in Russia.

The England manager was bemused that the top flight resumed one week before La Liga and Serie A and a fortnight before the Bundesliga, giving his players little chance to recuperate.

Southgate is planning three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Croatia on Friday for tonight’s Uefa Nations League game against Spain in Seville, with Joe Gomez and Harry Winks replacing the suspended John Stones and Jordan Henderson. Kieran Trippier is expected to come in for Kyle Walker at right back, but Harry Kane is set to