England could be facing World Cup chaos this summer, with a host of Under-20 stars facing a fixture clash in the Championship play-offs.
The Championship play-offs are set to take place in May and June, with the final taking place on the 26th of June. This is just days before the start of the Under-20 World Cup in Poland, which is set to kick off on the 23rd of June.
This means that a number of England’s Under-20 stars could be forced to choose between playing in the Championship play-offs and representing their country at the World Cup.
The likes of Chelsea’s Mason Mount, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Everton’s Tom Davies are all expected to be part of the England Under-20 squad for the tournament.
However, if their clubs reach the Championship play-offs, they could be forced to choose between playing for their club or their country.
The situation is made even more complicated by the fact that the Championship play-offs are set to take place over a two-legged semi-final and a one-off final. This means that the players could potentially miss out on the entire tournament if their club reaches the final.
The Football Association (FA) is aware of the potential clash and is currently in talks with the clubs involved to try and find a solution.
One option being discussed is for the clubs to agree to release the players for the tournament, but this could be difficult as the clubs will be desperate to keep their best players for the play-offs.
Another option is for the FA to move the tournament to a later date, but this could be difficult as the tournament is already scheduled to take place in June.
The FA is also in talks with FIFA to try and find a solution, but it remains to be seen if they can come to an agreement.
The situation is a difficult one for all involved, and it could have a major impact on England’s chances at the Under-20 World Cup.
If the players are forced to choose between playing for their club or their country, it could leave England’s squad depleted and their chances of success at the tournament severely hampered.
Only time will tell how the situation will be resolved, but it is clear that England could be facing World Cup chaos this summer.