James Maddison MISSES full England training ahead of World Cup 2022 opener as squad work up a sweat in sapping 33C heat
ENGLAND’S heroes worked up a sweat in blistering 33C heat as they trained ahead of their World Cup opener.
But James Maddison did not join in the full session as he manages the workload on his knee.
James Maddison left Thursday’s training session earlyRichard Pelham / The Sun
The Leicester ace is managing a knee injury so took it easyRichard Pelham / The Sun
PAPhil Foden was clearly feeling the heat and hopefully put suncream on[/caption]
The Manchester City ace was dripping with sweat early onRichard Pelham / The Sun
The blistering conditions give Ben White the perfect chance to top up his tanRichard Pelham / The Sun
Harry Kane led by example by choosing a sleeveless topRichard Pelham / The Sun
Gareth Southgate understandably opted for shorts and t-shirtRichard Pelham / The Sun
The Leicester ace was subbed off in the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Ham as a precaution.
Maddison did join his team-mates at the start of Wednesday lunchtime’s session but then went back inside shortly afterwards.
The remaining 25 players in Gareth Southgate’s squad were on the pitch in the sweltering early afternoon temperatures at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium, 15km south of Doha.
And it was no surprise to see the squad desperately taking on board fluids as many opted for sleeveless vests to try and keep cool.
Jude Bellingham will be hopeful of taking the ball past plenty of Iran playersRichard Pelham / The Sun
Jordan Pickford needs to make sure he is comfortable with the ball at his feetRichard Pelham / The Sun
The goalkeeper is ready in case he needs to come up for an injury-time cornerRichard Pelham / The Sun
North London rivals Bukayo Saka and Eric Dier have put club loyalties aside for QatarRichard Pelham / The Sun
Jack Grealish went for a vest as he trained in QatarRichard Pelham / The Sun
Despite the searing heat, the players still needed to warm up their musclesRichard Pelham / The Sun
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Phil Foden was visibly feeling the heat while Ben White no doubt relished the chance to keep his winter tan topped up – as well as impress to try and work his way into the starting XI contention.
Eric Dier was the first player out for England, who play all their group matches later in the day than their 12.30pm training.
Ben Rosenblatt led the early fitness and football drills in the blazing heat, with assistant boss Steve Holland adding the odd command.
Rosenblatt is the FA’s lead men’s physical performance coach.
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Kyle Walker ruled himself out of Monday’s Group B clash with Iran – which kicks off at 4pm local time.
But the Manchester City defender again joined his team-mates as they went through their paces under the watchful eyes of Southgate, assistant Holland and the rest of the coaches.
As well as their light ball session yesterday, the Three Lions also hit the gym.
Callum Wilson was in fine spirits as he lifted weights while Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson were also snapped putting in the hard work.
Southgate has just four days to go until his team get their World Cup campaign underway.
They then face USA next Friday before ending their group stage against neighbours Wales.
The Dragons pushed their Thursday session back to avoid having to be out during the hottest part of the day.
Foden impresses team-mate Kyle Walker with his controlRichard Pelham / The Sun
Kalvin Phillips tried a cheeky piece of skillRichard Pelham / The Sun
Walker trained once more as he continues his recovery from groin surgeryRichard Pelham / The Sun
A brief chat took place in the middle of the pitchRichard Pelham / The Sun
Phillips was clearly in a good mood in the Middle EastRichard Pelham / The Sun
Steve Holland set the team up to get them warmed upRichard Pelham / The Sun
Southgate and Holland kept cool in the shade before trainingRichard Pelham / The Sun
