Still can’t wipe away last night’s smiles! Gareth Southgate leads England training as the work for Sunday’s final against Italy begins with a session with Phil Foden and Co – and everyone’s still grinning ear-to-ear!
England have begun their preparations ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy with a training session led by boss Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions confirmed 13 players took part in Thursday afternoon’s session at a sunny St George’s Park, with Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson joining the XI that started Wednesday night’s semi-final victory against Denmark for indoor work.
But it was an outdoor session for the other half of Southgate’s squad, with Phil Foden – who along with Kieran Trippier came on at Wembley against the Danes – among those in high spirits.
Gareth Southgate, Phil Foden and 12 other England players began their preparations for the final of Euro 2020
Jadon Sancho was in high spirits at St George’s Park ahead of Sunday’s final against Italy
Marcus Rashford and Sancho are soon to be team-mates at Manchester United after the Euros
Centre-back trio Conor Coady (left), Tyrone Mings (centre) and Ben White were all involved
The Manchester City star came on in the first half of extra time for Mason Mount, while Atletico Madrid defender Trippier replaced Jack Grealish – a substitute himself – just before the second half of extra time.
But the pair’s workload from the previous day however was not deemed to have been deemed sufficient enough to have required a recovery session indoors.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – soon to be club team-mates at Manchester United once the latter’s move from Borussia Dortmund is complete – were also seen enjoying their session.
Centre-back trio Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady and Ben White were also seen in high spirits, while Chelsea full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell, young midfielder Jude Bellingham and forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin were also pictured as part of the group.
Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin (right) was also seen having fun in the outdoor session
Kieran Trippier along with Foden were the only players to figure against Denmark at Wembley
Young midfielder Jude Bellingham (left) and Ben Chilwell (right) also took part in the session
Goalkeeping pair Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale – brought in to cover the injured Dean Henderson – completed the list of players taking part.
Southgate reported after the game that ‘it seems like everybody’s come through the game OK in terms of injuries’.
While he admitted it was not the best time to assess everything given the adrenaline that went with beating Denmark, the early fitness news appeared positive.
The Three Lions boss meanwhile was joined by assistant manager Steve Holland as well as assistant technical director John McDermott.
Coaches Chris Powell and Graeme Jones were also spotted deep in conversation with each other during the session.
Southgate was joined for the 13-player session by his Three Lions assistant Steve Holland
Coaches Chris Powell and Graeme Jones were also spotted deep in conversation
England have a chance to win their first Euros on Sunday against Roberto Mancini’s men, and just the second major trophy in their history following their World Cup win some 55 years ago now.
A Simon Kjaer own goal saw England draw level after Mikkel Damsgaard’s stunning free-kick opened the scoring. Harry Kane then converted a penalty controversially won by Raheem Sterling in extra time.
Italy meanwhile needed penalties to beat Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday, after Federico Chiesa’s wonderful strike was cancelled out by Alvaro Morata’s equaliser in normal time.
Assistant technical director John McDermott was also seen with the England boss on Thursday