'Players are playing their fourth game in two weeks, that's not good': Roy Hodgson joins other Premier League managers in calling for international calendar to be reduced amid club fixture pile-up

Roy Hodgson believes the international fixture calendar could be reduced in order to help players cope with the compacted Covid-hit season.

The Crystal Palace manager rarely speaks out on Gareth Southgate's England role as he does not want to be seen to interfere from his privileged position as a former national boss.

But he has joined fellow Premier League coaches in questioning the wisdom of cramming three matches into last week's international break.

Hodgson, who takes his side to winless Burnley on Monday night, explained: 'Like every manager in the Premier League, we would contest the need for a friendly when there are two Nations League games.