AS England prepare for the Euro 2020 final this Sunday, a physiotherapy lecturer at the University of Bradford has explained what the last few days may have looked like for the players, and what they will be doing to help their bodies recover ahead of their clash with Italy.

The University's Jamie Moseley, who has worked with elite sports teams in the past, says that following England's extra-time win over Denmark, the players will be going though a “constant balance” of "recovery versus preparation”.

England defeated the Danes after 120 minutes of football on Wednesday, and only have a few days’ rest before Sunday’s final.

Mr Moseley said: “In the days after the game, the goal is to optimise recovery of the neuromuscular skeletal system and reduce inflammation, soreness and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

“Recovery time is normally 48 to 72 hours, so there is a constant balance of recovery versus preparation.

“To help this, immediately after Wednesday’s match, we would expect the players to take ice baths, have weigh-ins, use compression machines or garments and have as much sleep to aid recovery as possible.

“Then, on Thursday, they would undergo post-game medical checks, wellness questionnaires, massages and some active recovery, such as swimming or light jogs and field work.

“Training for those who played and did not play would involve different activities.

“Today, medical checks and tracking of injuries will inform training and game day selections. You would expect there to be some play on the field, but with controlled and limited high speed movements and accelerations to avoid injuries.

“There will be more video analysis and a team of chefs will be ensuring their diets and hydration levels are on track with regular weigh-ins.

“Huge amounts of data on each player informs how players have reacted to the stress of the game day, and where they are on the recovery and readiness to perform.

“On game day, the priority is for players to be as relaxed as possible and in a good place mentally, conserving their physical and mental energy. You are likely to see them go for a group walk together, as well as having their own pre-match routine.

“Ultimately, negative stress drains the body and takes energy away from muscles, so despite the huge amount of pressure, the support team will do everything they can to focus the players and ensure they are relaxed and as prepared as they can be.”