England train in the rain ahead of Germany friendly

England didn’t let the pouring rain dampen their spirits on Tuesday as they trained at a sodden St George’s Park ahead of the glamour friendly against Germany. 

The Three Lions joked around during the training session as they prepared to face the reigning world champions at Wembley on Friday.  

Manchester United defender Phil Jones hitched a piggyback off City’s John Stones as the centre backs put their club rivalries aside during one light-hearted moment. 

Phil Jones hitches a ride on John Stones during a light-hearted moment on Tuesday afternoon

Tammy Abraham is pulled back by Harry Maguire after being called up for the first time

Tammy Abraham is pulled back by Harry Maguire after being called up for the first time

England’s new boys were in the thick of the action as Tammy Abraham, Joe Gomez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were all put through their paces. 

The uncapped trio were surprise inclusions in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad and the England manager was on hand to assess their progress as he watched on from the sidelines.  

Jack Butland and Joe Hart were spotted working with the goalkeeping coach as they compete for a starting spot against Germany. 

Hart has been England’s first-choice throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign but his position has been called into question following his poor form for West Ham this season. 

Tottenham right back Kieran Trippier sees the funny side during the rainy training session

Tottenham right back Kieran Trippier sees the funny side during the rainy training session

Eric Dier is one Tottenham player still in the squad after three of his team-mates withdrew

Eric Dier is one Tottenham player still in the squad after three of his team-mates withdrew

Jamie Vardy looks to get the better of Joe Gomez during the session at St George’s Park

Crystal Palace's on loan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was also called up for the first time  

Crystal Palace’s on loan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was also called up for the first time  

Stoke goalkeeper Butland is poised to take his starting spot and may be given another chance to impress on Friday evening. 

Ashley Young was also present during the session as the United winger prepares to make his first England appearance since September 2014.  

The England squad has been hit by a series of late withdrawals leaving Southgate with a depleted squad to choose from for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

Gareth Southgate watched on as England geared up for the friendly match against Germany

Gareth Southgate watched on as England geared up for the friendly match against Germany

Ashley Young will be hoping to make his first England appearance in more than four years

Ashley Young will be hoping to make his first England appearance in more than four years

Leicester's Harry Maguire has kept his spot in favour of Manchester United's Chris Smalling

Leicester’s Harry Maguire has kept his spot in favour of Manchester United’s Chris Smalling

Joe Hart will be hoping to retain his place as England’s No 1 goalkeeper ahead of Russia 2018

Tottenham trio Harry Winks, Harry Kane and Dele Alli have all withdrawn through injury while Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph and Jordan Henderson also ruled themselves out despite being selected for the 25-man squad.

Southgate left out a number of England regulars from the squad with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jermain Defoe and Chris Smalling all missing. 

The Three Lions boss explained his decision to leave out United centre back Smalling by saying he wanted his defenders to ‘use the ball from the back’.  

Hart faces competition from Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland (left) ahead of the World Cup

Hart faces competition from Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland (left) ahead of the World Cup

Gary Cahill steps over Marcus Rashford - the pair faced each other for their clubs on Sunday

Gary Cahill steps over Marcus Rashford – the pair faced each other for their clubs on Sunday

Rashford will be hoping to start up front in the absence of injured Tottenham star Harry Kane

Rashford will be hoping to start up front in the absence of injured Tottenham star Harry Kane

England host Germany on Friday before Brazil visit Wembley on Tuesday evening as they warm up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia next summer. 

Southgate’s side sealed their place at the World Cup last month, finishing top of their qualification group with eight wins and two draws from 10 matches played.

They will face Germany wearing their blue away strip due to commercial reasons – because colour clashes in previous away matches have meant it’s been underused.  

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