2) Players’ focus is on start of club season
Although these players are professionals, it would be no surprise if a large number of them are keen to put this summer’s disappointments with England behind them. With the club season only a few games old as well, the likes of Wayne Rooney in particular will surely have their heads turned by commitments elsewhere, with players adapting to new managers and club colleagues after the summer transfer window, and eager to take the chance to climb the Premier League table.