FA counting on Fifa to extend World Cup squads deadline

The England coach has support from fellow national coaches in wanting the game's world governing body, Fifa, to move the 15 May deadline closer to the start of the finals on 9 June. Members of Fifa's World Cup organising committee meet in Zurich on Thursday to rule on the issue.

"We will be seriously disappointed if there is no movement on that date," the FA's executive director David Davies said yesterday. "Any significant movement would be helpful."

Eriksson and his opposite numbers would like at least another week, ideally two, before finalising their squads for the tournament.

Davies added: The purpose of the four-week preparation period is to give all the coaches the best chance to bring their squads to the World Cup in the best condition. Quite understandably, the coaches want to make their judgements as late as possible."

Fifa says the 15 May deadline is to ensure that players heading to the tournament in Germany are given as much rest as possible. It has ruled that no competitive matches may be played after 14 May, with the exception of the Champions' League final on 17 May, and no international friendlies played until 21 May.

A Fifa spokesman said: "The original reasoning behind the date is that it would ensure the rest period for all players in the World Cup.

"If the deadline is later, then you don't know who those players are, that's why the 15 May deadline seemed logical."