CHELSEA BOSS ANTONIO Conte has said that he will warn Danny Drinkwater and Gary Cahill against hurting Eden Hazard when England face Belgium at the 2018 World Cup.
Following the draw for the group stage at next summer’s global gathering in Russia, the Stamford Bridge teammates have learned that they are to go head-to-head in Group G.
Hazard will form part of a star-studded Belgium squad expected to go deep into the competition, while Cahill and Drinkwater will be hoping to figure in Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
They could all line up in Kaliningrad on 28 June, and will do so with the words of their club boss ringing in their ears.
Advertisement
Pressed on whether he will offer any advice to his players ahead of the World Cup, Conte said:
I have to speak with Cahill and Danny and tell them to avoid to give the kicks to Eden.”
Hazard has recently admitted that he seeks to rest his body by taking training breaks after often being singled out for rough treatment by opponents.
It may well be that he is targeted when England take on Belgium, with Cahill and Drinkwater able to offer inside information on how to contain him after working with him at club level.
“For sure every day to have the training session with this player will make you stronger,” added Conte.
“Gary knows very well Hazard’s skill, for this reason he must pay great attention.”
Whatever happens on the day, and regardless of how his players get on, Conte is looking forward to witnessing the spectacle – with his native Italy having missed out on qualification following a play-off defeat to Sweden.
He added: “I saw the draw and England and Belgium are in the same group at the World Cup. There are two teams to qualify for the next round.
“England and Belgium are favourite to do this in the World Cup. It will be special to see this game, England against Belgium, if I have the possibility I would like to watch this game.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
'Don't kick Hazard' - Conte issues playful World Cup warning to Chelsea teammates
CHELSEA BOSS ANTONIO Conte has said that he will warn Danny Drinkwater and Gary Cahill against hurting Eden Hazard when England face Belgium at the 2018 World Cup.
Following the draw for the group stage at next summer’s global gathering in Russia, the Stamford Bridge teammates have learned that they are to go head-to-head in Group G.
Hazard will form part of a star-studded Belgium squad expected to go deep into the competition, while Cahill and Drinkwater will be hoping to figure in Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
They could all line up in Kaliningrad on 28 June, and will do so with the words of their club boss ringing in their ears.
Pressed on whether he will offer any advice to his players ahead of the World Cup, Conte said:
Hazard has recently admitted that he seeks to rest his body by taking training breaks after often being singled out for rough treatment by opponents.
It may well be that he is targeted when England take on Belgium, with Cahill and Drinkwater able to offer inside information on how to contain him after working with him at club level.
“For sure every day to have the training session with this player will make you stronger,” added Conte.
“Gary knows very well Hazard’s skill, for this reason he must pay great attention.”
Whatever happens on the day, and regardless of how his players get on, Conte is looking forward to witnessing the spectacle – with his native Italy having missed out on qualification following a play-off defeat to Sweden.
He added: “I saw the draw and England and Belgium are in the same group at the World Cup. There are two teams to qualify for the next round.
“England and Belgium are favourite to do this in the World Cup. It will be special to see this game, England against Belgium, if I have the possibility I would like to watch this game.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Sergio Ramos makes red card history in La Liga following Bilbao dismissal
Wenger fuming as errors ruin ‘absolutely brilliant’ Arsenal display
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
2018 World Cup All friends here Antonio Conte Chelsea Danny Drinkwater Eden Hazard Gary Cahill Premier League