World Cup 2014: FA request dedicated video games room to keep England stars busy

 
Alex Kalinauckas26 June 2015

England’s World Cup squad will have access to a dedicated video games room and an exclusive restaurant at their Rio hotel, but Roy Hodgson’s men appear to be one of the least demanding squads heading to Brazil.

George Durante, general manager of the Royal Tulip Hotel in Rio, said: "They've only asked us to set aside one of our three restaurants for their exclusive use, give the footballers a dedicated video games room with three TVs and the latest games, and they want the sole use of the gym and swimming pool for just several hours every day."

He continued: “We've gutted all their rooms and we're installing brand new furniture, beds, wooden floors, rust-free balconies and air conditioning. We've spent more than £2m."

The French football federation appear to be keen on high standards of personal hygiene at their Sao Paulo base. “They asked us to buy two types of liquid soap, one for showering and the other to wash their hands,” explained Luciana Marotta Guimarães, the general manager of the JP Hotel,.

The Australian team have decided to cater to their player’s particular desire for caffeine as well as incorporating a local flavour into their strict diets.

Ibrahim Lança, of the Hotel Ilha do Boi in Vitória, where the Australian team will stay, said: "They want Brazilian meals of red meat, fish and chicken, but all cooked within the concept of a healthy diet. We've also been asked to install coffee machines for four players."

Bosnia meanwhile, have insisted their hotel in Sao Paulo erect a sound-proof screen to separate their players and coaching staff.

Lourival Pierim of Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa, said: "They've asked us to install an acoustic [sound-proofed] screen. The players will dine on one side and coaching staff on the other. Their chatter will not be mixed."

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