In a surprising revelation that blurs the lines between reality television and elite sport, England manager Gareth Southgate has disclosed his squad's unusual obsession with the BBC phenomenon The Traitors - and how he's weaponised it to forge a tighter-knit team.
The Midnight Messages
Southgate described how, during training camps, he's adopted tactics straight from the hit show's playbook. "We've had notes slid under doors," the England boss revealed, explaining how players would wake to find mysterious messages challenging their perceptions of teammates.
Rather than creating division, Southgate insists these psychological games have had the opposite effect. "It's about understanding different personalities, learning to read people, and building that unbreakable trust you need when the pressure is really on," he explained.
From Screen to Training Ground
The squad's fascination with the psychological reality show has become a central part of their team-building arsenal. Players have become so engrossed in the programme's dynamics that Southgate decided to incorporate its elements into their preparation.
"The conversations around the show have been incredible," Southgate noted. "It's got everyone thinking about loyalty, deception, and how groups function under pressure - which is exactly what tournament football demands."
Building Tournament Mentality
With major competitions often decided by fine margins and psychological strength, Southgate believes understanding group dynamics is as crucial as physical preparation. The unconventional approach appears to be paying dividends in creating what he describes as "the most cohesive group I've worked with."
The manager's innovative methods demonstrate how modern football management extends far beyond tactics and training drills. In an era where mental resilience can separate champions from nearly-men, England are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for international success.
As Southgate prepares his squad for their upcoming challenges, it's clear that the lessons from The Traitors have become an unexpected but valuable part of England's psychological armoury.
