Tuchel ponders bodies and soles for final countdown

Players throw on new shoes to sharpen focus, as coach warns 'we have a lot to prove'

- David Hytner

It was certainly a strong look, impossible to ignore, something only a top-level footballer could carry off - and even then, the jury was out.

When Ezri Konsa strolled in to preview tonight's World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley, the England defender did so in what, at first glance, appeared to be a cross between a pair of slippers and oversized Crocs. In fluorescent red.

On closer inspection, it was possible to make out grooves and nodules on them, and then it was time for the science part. Apparently, if you wear these your concentration improves. Well, that is according to the manufacturer. Something to do with the pressure points on the foot, perhaps. Was Konsa convinced? Unclear. How about Thomas Tuchel? Ditto.

"I don't know the science behind it," the England head coach said. "They are desperate to tell me, but I haven't found time to get my head around it. But all the players are wearing them. They told me they can focus better in meetings if they wear these shoes and I hope they believe it. Maybe the most important thing is that they believe it."

Put it down as one for the marginal gains department. Or simply the power of positive thought, which is something Tuchel, a longtime practitioner of meditation, can get behind. He tries to meditate once a day, even if he concedes twice would be ideal.