Gareth Southgate remains focused on preparing his England team for the World Cup despite the increase in political tensions with Russia.

“Clearly it’s a really serious matter and it’s developing very quickly,” he said. “But my job as the England football manager is to concentrate on the football and prepare the team.

“As far as all my briefings and information is, we’re preparing to go to the World Cup – there’s no doubt in our mind that’s what we should be doing. And the only thing at this stage that is of highest importance is the safety and security of our players and absolutely of our travelling supporters. They’re the things we’re focused on really.

“I think it’s a matter that’s completely out of my control really. We are desperate to go to a World Cup and that’s where my remit ends on that matter.”

Jose Mourinho has reached agreement with RT to provide coverage for the World Cup.

The international channel that has been branded a "foreign agent" by the United States does not have the television rights to show World Cup matches but says it will provide “live text commentary” and reports.

“Guys, I know you are nervous. This is a huge tournament and a huge amount of pressure,” Mourinho said to the stunned-looking RT journalists. “We will show the world a great game – the greatest game.”

RT has several foreign language services besides English and is particularly active on YouTube.