Roy Hodgson in favour of a winter break

ROY Hodgson thinks England’s players would perform better on the international stage if a mid-season break was brought into the domestic calendar.

The debate over whether England should copy Germany, Spain, France, and Italy by introducing a winter break rears its head every time the Three Lions struggle at a major tournament.

The demands of the Barclays Premier League, two domestic cups and European competition mean the idea has yet to be tried, but Hodgson is in favour.

“I find a shorter break now and again is much better than those long breaks,” said the England manager. “I don’t think the best way to keep players fit is to push them through 60 games in eight-and-a-half months and then have three-and-a-half months with no football.

“It might be better if we spread the load a little bit differently and we give them more breaks and certainly a break in the middle of the season.”

Hodgson’s Fulham side played 63 times in the 2009-10 season when they reached the Europa League final.

Chelsea have played 58 games so far this season, with up to eight more in the offing should they make the Europa League final next month.