England fear Russian hackers will attempt to break into computers containing Gareth Southgate’s tactical masterplan during next summer’s World Cup.

Concerns confidential data may be vulnerable to cyber-attack at the tournament has prompted the Football Association to invest heavily in improving its IT defences in time for the Three Lions’ matches there.

It is common for Southgate and his staff to store strategic information on laptops and tablets, information which could be used against England to devastating effect in Russia next year if it fell into the wrong hands.

The threat had already been identified before Russian hacking group Fancy Bears leaked the medical files of dozens of footballers last month, including those of former Premier League stars Carlos Tevez, Dirk Kuyt and Gabriel Heinze.