Training ground 'bug' upsets England’s plans

Football | England

A suspected stomach virus at the St George's Park national football centre means the England senior side will no longer assemble there on Tuesday ahead of friendlies against Chile and Germany.
England's Under-21s, who are preparing for Euro 2015 qualifiers against Finland and San Marino, were already at the Burton venue in central England but have now been moved to new accommodation.

The Football Association insisted it was merely taking a precautionary measure in removing staff, stressing no players had yet shown any signs of illness.
It is believed the virus was brought into the hotel from outside and the Football Association and Hilton acted immediately in taking the precautionary measure to remove players and staff.

"The FA has been advised of a suspected stomach virus that has been discovered on site at St George's Park and affected a small number of visitors over the weekend," said a statement issued Monday by English football's governing body.
"To date, the England Under-21 squad has not experienced any symptoms related to the virus. They have been on site since Sunday.

"However, as a precautionary measure, the Under-21s are moving hotels and the England senior team will now not meet at St George's Park.
"Alternative accommodation and training arrangements have been made for both teams.
"This is an elite athlete precaution for the two senior teams. Normal operations continue for the SGP and hotel staff, customers and the public."