By Martin Gough BBC Sport in St Lucia

Andrew Flintoff was one of six players disciplined by Fletcher

England coach Duncan Fletcher has ruled out imposing a curfew on his World Cup squad to ensure no repeat of Friday's drinking session.

"Right the way from university sides to here, I've done it that way and got their respect," said Fletcher.

"They're professional sportsmen and they understand what is required.

"We had a severe chat in the changing room [after the Canada match] and they're well aware of how they've got to prepare for World Cup games."

Interview: England's Andrew Flintoff

Interview: England captain Michael Vaughan

Andrew Flintoff was stripped of the vice-captaincy and banned from Sunday's victory over Canada after a late night drinking session.

Five other players - James Anderson, Ian Bell, Jon Lewis, Paul Nixon and Liam Plunkett - were fined.

In his BBC Sport column, veteran Paul Collingwood said he did not see the need for a curfew.

"In all my time with England it has been spelt out by the coach that players are expected to behave responsibly and prepare for matches in the right way," he said.

Read Paul Collingwood column

"It has always been left up to individuals to decide exactly how they do that.

"The punishments that have been handed out were appropriate and hopefully it will not happen again. If it does there will certainly be a bigger punishment."

England's final match in Group C is against Kenya on Saturday, a game they must win to be sure of progressing to the Super Eight stage.

Asked if the weekend's events had affected England's World Cup hopes, Fletcher replied: "It's difficult to say. Sometimes things like this will pull a side together and hopefully that's what will take place."

Cricketers are fantastic ambassadors both on and off the pitch, probably more so than in other sports Players' union boss Richard Bevan

Fletcher said he had spoken to two assistant coaches - reportedly Kevin Shine and Jeremy Snape - who were drinking with the group on Friday, but did not comment on any possible punishment for the duo.

"They made an error of judgement and we're still chatting to them about the incident. They appreciate that they made a mistake," he added.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, said the players involved were now "keen to move on".

He added: "I think, in many ways, when you hold your hands up and admit you are embarrassed, you can get more respect.

"Cricketers are fantastic ambassadors both on and off the pitch, probably more so than in other sports."