Roy Hodgson’s plan for England tribute to Somme fallen scrapped by FA
Three-hour round trip to Thiepval Memorial in honour of those 37 footie players who died in World War I deemed 'too draining'
ROY HODGSON'S plan for his England stars to pay tribute to those who died in the Battle of the Somme during World War I has been scrapped by the FA.
The Three Lions boss wanted to pay a visit to the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing but Dave Reddin, head of performance services, binned the trip.
Some 37 footballers are commemorated at the site, including former England player Evelyn Lintott, the first chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association.
But, having previously had the visit approved by the FA, Reddin, who worked with England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and Team GB at London 2012 said the three-hour round trip from the squad's base in Chantilly would be "too draining", according to .
His assertion was backed by other sports scientists part of the squad.
Related stories
As a result, James Milner and Joe Hart made video messages after being blocked from going.
Liverpool midfielder Milner said: "Among those who died were football players - professional and amateur - and of course football fans.
"Others were so badly injured they could never again play the game I love."
Manchester City goalkeeper Hart said: "It is important that we never forget what happened or those brave men and women affected by the Battle of the Somme."
FA chief executive Martin Glenn will represent the FA and England at Thiepval later today.
England players did visit Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz in Poland ahead of Euro 2012.
That trip came after racist abuse had been aimed at the Dutch side as they trained.
Wayne Rooney said at the time: "It's good to get that history of what happened. It puts football into perspective."
Group B England will play their first match of Euro 2016 against Russia in Marseille on Saturday.