Inside England’s Euros training camp as head tennis king Kane taunts team-mates

England resembled a bunch of happy campers after pitching up in Germany to prepare for their assault on the Euros.

All 26 members of Gareth Southgate’s squad got their feet on the grass in the first training session of the tournament. Around 500 schoolchildren were invited to watch Harry Kane & Co go through their paces inside the Jena Stadium.

The FA also invited some members of staff who work at the hotel at England’s main training base at the Weimarer Land Spa & Golf Resort in nearby Blankenhain. Even the ‘big man’ was back in the group, in the shape of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham following his week long break after the Champions League final.

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Southgate prides himself on the camaraderie and spirit he has fostered within the England squad. He hopes that eventually, it will lead the Three Lions to the ultimate goal of a first trophy since 1966.

And the closeness of the group was plain to see as Kane and Kieran Trippier took on all-comers at head tennis. These included the double act of Manchester City duo John Stones and Kyle Walker.

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The club team-mates were on the end of a crushing defeat to Kane and Trippier, while Southgate himself refereed. “You’ve got to try and manipulate the referees sometimes,” joked Trippier, after persuading Southgate to give a tight call in his favour.

“It’s a massacre”, taunted Kane. Walker was less than impressed. And let his boss know.

The players spent time signing autographs, shirts and flags for the excited onlookers, with Kane getting most of the attention. Back at base, Southgate and his coaching staff have gone to great lengths to provide the players with an environment and facilities fit for champions.

There is a private golf course, spa, padel tennis and basketball courts and luxurious rooms with reminders of home. The experience is all new to Anthony Gordon, who has been included in his first tournament squad at senior level.

And the Newcastle star admits he’s been blown away by the attention to detail the FA have shown towards the squad. Gordon said: “The basecamp is unbelievable. Honestly, I wish you could see it.

“We have everything we could ask for, absolutely everything and we couldn’t have asked for anything better. It’s a great place to be, because when you come away from home, away from your family for so long – hopefully – you need that base and start to make it a home from home. We’ve definitely got that.”

Southgate has admitted he could well be in the last chance saloon when it comes to winning silverware as England boss. In an interview with German newspaper Bild , Southgate revealed Euro 2024 would probably be his last tournament as manager if the Three Lions don’t win it.

But whatever happens, the FA are desperate for him to sign a new deal. And Gordon admits he would love Southgate to continue as boss, while admitting he doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves.

Gordon added: “From a selfish point I would want him to stay. I love working with him and his staff. From my youth journey with England, the way they have transitioned the whole set-up from youth to senior level has been absolutely amazing.

“And I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”