Howard Webb, the only UK referee to be selected for this year's tournament, undertook an intensive three-week training programme at Sheffield Hallam University to ensure he can perform mentally and physically at altitudes of up to 6,000 feet.

The 12 part course included spending time in a purpose-built environmental chamber to simulate the conditions he will potentially face in South Africa, as well as sports psychology support.

The referee from Rotherham, South Yorkshire is one of the favourites to have the honour of officiating the final (should England fail to get there) after taking charge of this year’s Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Webb said: "I have enjoyed a long relationship with Sheffield Hallam and when I was selected as the only British referee at this year's tournament it was only natural that I gave them a call to make sure I am in peak physical and mental condition.

"I have been working with the sport psychology team as confidence is such an important part of the referee's psyche. There are distinctive climatic conditions in South Africa that can be simulated at Sheffield Hallam as many of the games will be played at altitude or with some degree of humidity.

"The World Cup is a showcase for every referee and you strive to be involved and the expertise I can access here will be crucial to my progress in the tournament."

Ian Maynard, Director of Sheffield Hallam's Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Professor of Sport Psychology, said: "We are delighted that Howard has been working with our team as he faces the countdown to the biggest tournament of his life.

"We have world-class facilities here and our simulated high-altitude conditions will have given Howard the extra yard in staying fit for this year's event. Furthermore, we were to provide the psychological muscle to ensure Howard is ready for any eventuality in South Africa."

The BBC Sport website has footage of Howard Webb in training at Sheffield Hallam University.