All 26 players in England’s Euro 2024 squad took part in an open training session in Jena, Germany, ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate was given a huge boost as Luke Shaw – has been battling for fitness – partook in full team training for the first time since getting picking up a hamstring injury in February.
Shaw has been on an intense personal programme in the past week in a bid to restore his fitness and has been earmarked to make a return for the Three Lions in their second group match against Denmark on June 20.Â
He was joined by John Stones, and Bukayo Saka – who had both also been doubts – as they took part in a variety of training drills with the rest of the squad in their first session since landing on German soil on Monday.
The stars were joined by several England fans who gathered in the stands at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld to watch the Three Lions be put through their paces.
Luke Shaw has been battling for fitness since joining up with the England set up in late May
Bukayo Saka seemed in fine form as he attempted an acrobatic effort despite injury concerns
The training session started with Gareth Southgate (middle left) receiving a gift from deputy major of Jena Christian Gerlitz (right)
It was all smiles for Adama Wharton as he trains with England at a major tournament for teh first time
Captain Harry Kane was seen leading the group as their preparations for Serbia continued
England fans travelled to Jena in Germany to watch their favourite stars in the sunÂ
Southgate will be relieved that Shaw has returned to full training after question marks were raised over the left-back position.
And although the opening game against Serbia will come too soon, the United full-back could prove pivotal to the side as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, Saka’s fitness concerns seem to have improved as he was seen smiling with his teammates in the German sun.
There had been worries over Saka’s match sharpness, and if he was ready for action after missing Arsenal’s final match of the season.
The Three Lions seemed happy to be training in the sunshine, especially Shaw who was beaming ear-to-ear.
Jude Bellingham, who arrives in Germany off the back of winning the Champions League, seemed to be going through a range of emotions.
From one minute smiling and laughing with the squad, to the next falling onto his knees in despair after coming off second best in mini-game.Â
England Captain, Harry Kane, was also in high spirits, smiling and waving at the England faithful watching on.
Kane was seen on the back of Kyle Walker (left) as spirits were high in the England camp
Shaw was captured smiling and jokingas he looks to put his injury worries behind him
Jude Bellingham’s emotions were up and down as he enjoyed a host of mini-gamesÂ
The squad were given a pep talk by Southgate before all 26 of them got training underway
On top of that, Kane was seen laughing and joking with the likes of Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker during certain drills.
Overall, the spirit in the squad was high, despite the criticism thrown their way following a 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match for the tournament.
It seems well and truly behind them, and anticipation is now growing for England’s opening match on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate and his side landed in Germany on Monday night, following a weekend of rest after their shock defeat on Friday.
England arrived at their five-star resort (pictured) in the German forests on MondayÂ
They are based on the outskirts of Blankenhain – over 30 kilometres from Jena – at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort.
The England stars are living a life of luxury in a town deep in the forests of Germany, with a population of less than 7,000 people. Their base is a five-star resort that has two swimming pools, a padel court, and three golf courses.