FOOTBALL: ANDY GRAY'S COLUMN: Tired? Give me a break!

THE debate about a winter break has reared its head again because Sven Goran Eriksson and the FA believe England could have done better in the World Cup if his players hadn't been so tired.

Sorry, but that is absolute tosh. What difference would a two- week break have made?

David Beckham would still have busted his foot, Steven Gerrard would still have been injured and Gary Neville would still have been out. Roberto Carlos was one of the best players in the World Cup. He was fit as a fiddle, probably ran more than anyone else and he played more games last season than anyone - so the FA's argument seems a trifle weak.

They are talking about a two-week break. OK, if the players got a complete rest maybe it is worth a try, but the fact is that professional footballers need to train every day.

So the only rest would be from actually playing in a match and that is what every footballer worth his salt wants to do.

It really is hard to stomach, particularly for fans, when players moan about being tired.

I understand the pressure the lads are under and I know they play a lot of games but they get paid good money, get quality time off and have the best diets and fitness programmes in the world to ensure they recover quickly from match tiredness.

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