There are only 25 Championship players heading to the World Cup in Qatar, almost exactly one per squad, which ultimately poses the question: is a four-week break in fixtures completely necessary?
The EFL adjusted its schedule a year ago to accommodate a pause in the calendar while the tournament, traditionally held over the summer in June and July, takes place from November 21 and December 18. That decision was taken, Bristol Live understands, after a vote held by the clubs due to the uncertainty of squads and fixtures and the long-term planning of what is an unusual World Cup.
Twelve months on, you have to wonder if the sentiment would be the same, given how few players have travelled to the Middle East and the period of inactivity now taking place in the second tier.
