ENGLAND stars were all smiles in training less than 24 hours after their romp to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Gareth Southgate’s troops booked their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 3-0 win over African Champions Senegal last Sunday.
ReutersEngland returned to training just hours after their win over Senegal[/caption]
ReutersSouthgate’s second string went through a full session while the starters worked out in the gym[/caption]
REUTERSMason Mount was among the crop of players put their paces[/caption]
REUTERSAs was Jack Grealish, who was all smiles as he chated with Gareth Southgate[/caption]
PAMarcus Rashford cracked a laugh with defender Conor Coady[/caption]
REUTERSSouthgate was the picture of happiness as he oversaw his reserve players’ training session[/caption]
But there was no rest for the wicked as he had his Three Lions back in training less than 24 hours after the win.
Southgate and his coaching team put the starters from Sunday’s win through a light workout in the gym.
But those who started on the bench were put through their paces in 28-degree heat – although they seemingly enjoyed the session.
Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount all had smiles on their faces during the sweltering session.
But it was Southgate – whose future as manager is still up in the air – who had the biggest grin of the lot.
The gaffer was seen laughing and joking with the second string players.
Southgate’s reserves all got good sessions in – apart from Callum Wilson.
The Newcastle hitman – who bagged an assist in the group stage rout of Iran – missed the session with the minor niggle.
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It’s not yet known if the knock will keep him out of Saturday’s mouthwatering quarter-final tie with France.
Defending champions France will provide the toughest test of England’s stellar Qatar campaign – an examination Southgate is relishing.
He said: “We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?
“The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.
It wasn’t all smiles for the reserves as they were put through a gruelling sessionREX
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was among the traineesREX
REUTERSAs was Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold[/caption]
PAGareth Southgate will have some tough decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s match with France[/caption]
“Our history is not quite as good as all the others, by the way.
“But we’re really pleased.
“I’ve just been told it’s the first time we’ve won knockout games in three consecutive tournaments.
“That’s another bit of history that this team has managed to achieve and we’ve got to keep trying to do that.”
ReutersGareth Southgate is relishing Saturday’s clash with the French[/caption]
He added: “They’re an outstanding team with a phenomenal tournament record and some outstanding individuals.
“So without a doubt we’ll have to find our highest possible level.”