England captain Steven Gerrard has claimed that it will be important for the team to conserve their energy during games at the World Cup.

Roy Hodgson's side will be tested by high temperatures throughout the competition, with their opening group game against Italy taking place in Manaus, close to the Amazon rainforest, and Gerrard believes that England can't afford to become tired in the early stages of matches.

"Coming from playing every week in England to a hotter, more humid climate where you're sweating more is obviously going to affect the way you play," the 33-year-old told reporters.

"You also feel it after a game because your body has worked harder trying to cool down and you need to allow greater time for your muscles to recover.

"When you are playing in hot and humid conditions you need to place more control on the tempo of the game and ensure you don't burn yourself out in the first half."

England are currently taking part in a training camp in Portugal, with players being asked to wear more layers to replicate the conditions in Brazil.