England were handed a significant double fitness boost on Tuesday after John Stones and Luke Shaw trained during the team’s first session here in Germany.
Manchester City defender Stones dealt Gareth Southgate an injury scare on Friday after suffering an ankle injury that saw him substituted at half-time of the loss to Iceland.
The 30-year-old is recognised as England’s first-choice centre-back and his unavailability for the opening game versus Serbia on Sunday would have been a huge issue for Southgate, who is already without Harry Maguire.
But Stones trained at the Jena Stadium here in Germany on Tuesday to provide a clear indication that he will be fit to face Serbia.
There was also good news on Shaw, who hasn’t played since February due to a hamstring injury.
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 sun
He also trained with his team-mates on Tuesday and was seen kicking a ball for the first time in five months to strengthen hope he may be available to be named in the squad to face Denmark next Thursday.
Shaw didn’t complete the full session and was a peripheral figure during the closing stages of training.
Nevertheless, his participation in Tuesday’s full session is viewed as another positive step towards his recovery.
Kieran Trippier is set to deputise at left-back for Shaw for the start of the tournament.
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.
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-games
The squad were given a pep talk by Southgate before all 26 of them got training underway
They 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.
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.
England captain, Harry Kane, was also in high spirits, smiling and waving at the England faithful watching on.
On top of that, Kane was seen laughing and joking with the likes of 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.
England arrived at their five-star resort (pictured) in the German forests on Monday
Gareth Southgate and his side landed in Germany on Monday night, following a weekend of rest after their shock defeat on Friday.
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.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk