• England

Virus forces England to steer clear of training HQ

ESPN staff
November 11, 2013
The England squad will not be training at the National Football Centre this week © PA Photos
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Roy Hodgson's England squad have been forced to train away from St George's Park after an outbreak of a stomach virus.

The players were set to meet at the National Football Centre in Burton-upon-Trent on Tuesday ahead of England's international friendlies against Chile and Germany.

Gareth Southgate's Under-21s squad were already on site but have moved to new accommodation ahead of their Euro 2015 qualifiers against Finland and San Marino.

The virus is believed to have been brought into the Hilton hotel from outside, with the FA taking precautionary measures.

An FA statement said: "The FA has been advised of a suspected stomach virus that has been discovered on site at St George's Park and affected a small number of visitors over the weekend.

"To date, the England Under-21 squad has not experienced any symptoms related to the virus. They have been on site since Sunday.

"However, as a precautionary measure, the Under-21s are moving hotels and the England senior team will now not meet at St George's Park.

"Alternative accommodation and training arrangements have been made for both teams.

"This is an elite athlete precaution for the two senior teams. Normal operations continue for the SGP and hotel staff, customers and the public.

"To reiterate, these proactive steps have been taken by The FA as a precautionary measure."

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