New England boss Roy Hodgson is prepared to give his players freedom but has a warning for anyone who steps out of line.
We aren't back at school, says England manager
New England boss Roy Hodgson is prepared to give his players freedom but has a warning for anyone who steps out of line.
England will be based in Krakow in Poland during the tournament, despite the fact that all three group matches are in Ukraine.
The city centre location is a far cry from the last World Cup in South Africa, during which the team were based in remote Rustenburg.
The decision should stave off boredom but could present the sort of difficulties encountered by England's rugby team in New Zealand recently, where the players were constantly under the spotlight.
Hodgson is willing to treat his squad like adults but expects that respect to be a two-way street and for the players to act responsibly.
"We aren't back at school," he said.
"These are people who have an incredible public profile and know every time they step outside their front door the eyes of the world are on them.
Escape
"There are mobile phones with cameras everywhere these days. You can't escape them. But the players are fully aware of their responsibilities.
"My message to them is a very simple one. Not only do I expect them to behave as adults, I am going to demand it.
"Every time they are in a public place they should be aware of the fact that if they do anything they shouldn't they are not only letting themselves down, they are letting us all down because the criticism will pile upon us all.
"It's a big responsibility but if there is anyone here who can't take that responsibility they aren't going to play a big part in my thinking in the future."
Predecessor Fabio Capello lived to regret his choice of an isolated base in 2010 when the growing disenchantment led to John Terry's infamous criticisms following a goalless draw with Algeria.
Hodgson has never believed in isolating his players but acknowledges that the boredom factor must be accepted as part of the job.
Free time
"When you accept the invitation to go and play you do so on the basis that for four weeks it's football, football, football," he said.
"There is only a limited amount of training every day and a lot of free time.
"We don't want any repeat of the things that happened to the rugby team but I don't believe imprisoning people is the best way of getting the most out of them.
"Treating adults like adults is the best way of getting a working relationship.
"We have gone from one extreme to another by being in Krakow.
"That wasn't my decision but if you give me a situation where the players can go out, have a cup of coffee and see something else other than their room-mates, me and the coaching staff, give me that any day.
"I hope it will go well but if it doesn't then we will learn the lesson."
