Boycott could cost England future World Cup place

England could be banned from qualifying for the next World Cup if they decide to boycott this summer's tournament in Russia.

Relations between the UK and Russia have disintegrated over the last few days following the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, leading to some MPs to call on England to withdraw from the competition.

Sky Sports News understands, however, the FA faces tough and costly sanctions from FIFA if they decide to pull out at such a late stage.

According to FIFA rules, world football's governing body can exclude any country that pulls out of the World Cup from future competitions, meaning England may be barred from the qualification stages for Qatar 2022.

Article 6 of the FIFA World Cup Regulations also states the FA could be fined £377,000 if they withdraw fewer than 30 days before the start of Russia 2018 and be liable for costs suffered by FIFA, local organisers and opposing teams.

The fine is halved if more than a month's notice is given.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The FA is working with the Government to try to secure the safety and security of players and fans going out for this summer's tournament, with travel advice from the Foreign Office warning of potential "anti-British sentiment and harassment".

England manager Gareth Southgate insists he is "desperate to go to the World Cup" but admits the final decision is out of his hands.

"It's a really serious matter and it's developing quickly," Southgate told reporters at his squad announcement news conference on Thursday.

"All my briefings mean we're preparing to go to the World Cup and there's no doubt in my mind that's what we should plan to do."

The fallout at Westminster has been emphatic in some quarters, with Labour politician John Woodcock calling for "MPs to push for concerted international action over the World Cup".

He said: "It should [a boycott] be on the table because of the appalling magnitude of what Russia has done."

Russia denies any involvement in the poisoning attack that hospitalised former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

A withdrawal could do sizeable damage to The FA's chances of hosting a future World Cup as they consider a bid for the 2030 tournament.

Super 6 £1m jackpot

Simply predict six correct scores to win Jeff's £1 million. Enter your selections for free here.