Key figures at the Football Association have reacted with disbelief to Terry Venables' suggestion that England friendlies be scrapped, as the governing body prepares to open the £757m Wembley Stadium later this year with the national team crucial to its success.

Highlighting how injuries had "depleted" the England squad in the build-up to the friendly against Spain at Old Trafford, Venables suggested holding a four-day training camp for the players as an occasional replacement for the traditional friendly match.