England’s Euro 2020 stars aim to carry on winning with help of yoga ‘Hotpod’
ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 stars aim to keep calm and carry on winning — with the help of a new-age yoga “Hotpod” at their training base.
The battle-weary heroes of the 1-0 triumph over Croatia have been recharging inside an inflatable purple pod at the squad’s St George’s Park camp.
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Relaxing mood music is played in the dimly lit dome, while the air is infused with calming aromas of lavender, orange and bergamot.
The temperature inside the pod is kept at a constant 37C to aid flexibility.
Players are put through a range of yoga moves by a fully trained female member of the FA’s fitness staff working inside the Covid-secure bubble.
As she led them on a set routine, Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings collapsed in giggles struggling to hold a carefully balanced pose.
But the smiling instructor encouraged them saying: “Well done — it’s hard.”
Coach Gareth Southgate has backed the glowing dome to revitalise key players ahead of Friday’s crunch clash with old enemy Scotland.
An England source said yesterday: “Players used to crash out with a few beers after the game to wind down, but this is a very different, very focused England squad.
“They’re athletes competing at the highest level — often in extreme heat as in the game against Croatia — and they need to recover both mentally and physically.”
The spokesman added: “Yoga is regarded as an excellent aid to muscle recovery and the addition of heat to the exercise helps.
“We’ve created a relaxing environment in which the players can stretch and wind down between games, which is great for both their physical and mental well-being.”
Stars including Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice, John Stones and Kyle Walker were seen zipping themselves inside the pod for a workout with the aide yesterday.
A second, one-man Hotpod has also been supplied to allow stressed stars to cocoon themselves completely.
It is fitted with a TV monitor for one-to-one remote tuition and is also infused with calming signature scents, while chill-out tunes are piped in.
The players ran an incredible total of 62 miles in the sweltering 28C heat to edge out Croatia with a Raheem Sterling goal at Wembley on Sunday.
Hotpod Yoga co-founder Max Henderson said: “It’s a huge privilege to be working with the Three Lions.
“Having built up a lot of experience working with elite sports teams over the years, being part of the England team’s set-up at the Euros is something special.
“We’ll be doing our best to help make sure they’re in tip-top shape to go all the way.”
Hotpod Yoga sessions were pioneered by the England rugby squad who reached the World Cup final after taking a pod to Japan in 2019.
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As well as using yoga, goal hero Sterling has been undertaking nightly meditation sessions.
The Man City winger, 26, said: “I’ve been meditating.
“I’m doing a little bit of meds before I go to sleep to get relaxed. Just taking time out, being thankful and grateful for the day.”