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FA tell England players to pore over Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s book ahead of Euro 2016 clash with Russia

Bosses also picked A Game of Thrones, Muhammad Ali's autobiography and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall

ENGLAND players have been encouraged by FA bosses to read Zlatan Ibrahimovic's book ahead of Euro 2016.

The Sweden striker's 2011 autobiography was among a pile of reading material for Wayne Rooney and Co as they arrived at their team hotel in Chantilly yesterday.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic's book contained a number of outrageous stories and is recognised as one of the best players' autobiographies of recent times
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic's book contained a number of outrageous stories and is recognised as one of the best players' autobiographies of recent timesCredit: SAP
 Arnold Schwarzenegger's book was among the recommended reading set out by FA chiefs for England football players in France to read during Euro 2016
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Arnold Schwarzenegger's book was among the recommended reading set out by FA chiefs for England football players in France to read during Euro 2016Credit: Getty Images

Other books picked by bosses included Muhammad Ali's autobiography The Greatest, George RR Martin's A Game of Thrones and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall.

Also stacking up the shelves were works by Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas writer Hunter S Thompson.

Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom detailing his life in apartheid South Africa and imprisonment in Robben Island made the list of must-read tales.

 The former South African president and activist's book was chosen to be read
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The former South African president and activist's book was chosen to be readCredit: Publisher
 Muhammad Ali had an incredible life story as well as numerous legendary quotes
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Muhammad Ali had an incredible life story as well as numerous legendary quotesCredit: Publisher

Curiously, a biography of boss Roy Hodgson did not make the cut.

But the Three Lions manager speaks five languages and is a noted bookworm, relishing works by the likes of Milan Kundera.

The Czech novelist's Book of Laughter and Forgetting is one of his most famous works and looks at how people deal with traumatic experiences - something Hodgson hopefully won't have to worry about.

 Roy Hodgson is a lover of books and wants his England side to read some too
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Roy Hodgson is a lover of books and wants his England side to read some tooCredit: Getty Images

The Three Lions stars saw the books as they checked into the Auberge du Jeu de Paume hotel following their flight from Luton.

FA chiefs opted to place the reading material in the library next to the games room at the plush resort roughly an hour from the centre of Paris.

One other instruction placed for the players told them to "aim for eight hours' sleep" a night.

England begin their Euro journey against Group B rivals Russia in Marseille on Saturday.

 

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