Euro 2020: England players in high spirits as they train at St George’s Park ahead of flight to Rome

All smiles ahead of their Italian job: England players in high spirits as they train at St George’s Park ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final showdown against Ukraine… with Gareth Southgate and his players set to fly to Rome this afternoon


With just over 24 hours to go until they step out in Rome for their Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine, England’s players were put through their paces in their final training session at St George’s Park.

Gareth Southgate and his 26-man squad looked in high spirits during the workout on Friday morning, ahead of their lunchtime flight to the Italian capital.

The entire playing squad took part in the session in Burton-upon-Trent, with Southgate pictured smiling as he chatted to Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Kieran Trippier.

Gareth Southgate (centre) laughs with Harry Maguire (L), Kieran Trippier (R) and Harry Kane

All 26 of England's Euro 2020 players trained ahead of their flight to Rome on Friday afternoon

All 26 of England’s Euro 2020 players trained ahead of their flight to Rome on Friday afternoon

Jadon Sancho was spotted walking out to the session

The 21-year-old's move to Manchester United was confirmed yesterday

Jadon Sancho walks out to training on the day after his move to Man United was confirmed

The Three Lions squad are now ready to leave the UK for the first time in the tournament, where they take on Ukraine for a spot in the semi-final.

If they come through Saturday’s test in Rome, England will face either Denmark or Switzerland at Wembley next Wednesday, before Sunday’s final in the same stadium.

There appears to be a very positive mood in the camp, with the likes of Kane, Luke Shaw and Jordan Pickford all pictured laughing during the session. 

Fan favourite Jack Grealish runs with the ball during the training session at St George's Park

Fan favourite Jack Grealish runs with the ball during the training session at St George’s Park

Captain Kane cracks a smile before England's massive last-eight showdown with Ukraine

Captain Kane cracks a smile before England’s massive last-eight showdown with Ukraine

Ben White, Raheem Sterling and Reece James (left-right) take part in the training session

Ben White, Raheem Sterling and Reece James (left-right) take part in the training session

Despite Southgate’s good mood, the England boss does have plenty to consider going into tomorrow night’s game, with four of his players at risk of missing the semi-final if they pick up a yellow card.

Maguire, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips all run the risk of a ban if they are booked against Ukraine and England get through, before all bookings are wiped ahead of the last four.

Trippier, meanwhile, has been nursing a muscular injury but did train with the squad on Friday, hinting that he will be fit to feature on Saturday night. 

Jordan Pickford, who has so far not put a foot wrong in the tournament, takes part in a drill

Jordan Pickford, who has so far not put a foot wrong in the tournament, takes part in a drill

Phil Foden, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount (left-right) share a joke during the session on Friday

Phil Foden, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount (left-right) share a joke during the session on Friday

Kane runs with the ball; fans will be hoping he can get on the scoresheet again on Saturday

Kane runs with the ball; fans will be hoping he can get on the scoresheet again on Saturday