Updated

England coach Roy Hodgson has urged Premier League clubs not to use World Cup players in postseason exhibitions to ensure they are rested for Brazil.

Manchester City, which has an Abu Dhabi-based ownership, heads to the United Arab Emirates to play Al Ain on May 15, three days after Hodgson announces his 23-man World Cup roster. English national team goalkeeper Joe Hart and midfielder James Milner are in line for the trip.

With key English players involved in a tense finale to the Premier League title race at Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, Hodgson wants the players to "relax and clear their minds" before the national team starts training.