England defender Kieran Trippier admits his side have been struggling with the ‘lighter’ World Cup ball in Qatar.
The Newcastle United star has started both of England’s two group stage matches in the middle-east but he’s struggled to replicate his form for the Magpies with the Three Lions.
While the conditions in Qatar and the nature of the tournament being played in mid-season have been used as reasons for the form of some players, Trippier has another theory.
The former Tottenham defender believes the ‘lighter’ World Cup ball is contributing to England’s difficulties in Qatar and he says it is prone to ‘flying’ away.
‘I feel it’s a bit lighter,’ Trippier said.
‘It feels if you put too much power on it, it’ll just fly away but, yeah, it’s one of them where we have to deal with that, all of us do. We train with the same ones.
‘Every time I’ve crossed the ball I’ve felt the balls are a bit different, but there are no excuses really.
‘I would just say the balls are a bit different, but it is not the heat or anything.’
Of the 81 goals scored at the tournament so far, just six have been scored from outside the box – supporting Trippier’s theory that players are struggling.
Adidas produced the ball, which is their 14th World Cup edition.
MORE : Didier Deschamps responds to claims Karim Benzema could return to France’s World Cup squad
MORE : Ryan Babel names the club Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd target Cody Gakpo should join
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
