England U20's prepare for World Cup

England's under 21's team arrived at their base in Egypt on Monday evening to begin their preparations ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The first game is against Uruguay on Saturday at the Ismailia Stadium. The team spent last four days in Cyprus acclimatising to the hot weather and training in a pre-tournament camp before making their way to the Sport Support Resort in Ismailia.
Head Coach Brian Eastick announced the squad just over a week ago and the 21-man party then met up last Monday before flying out to Larnaca on Tuesday. Their stay at the Golden Bay Hotel has seen the group working hard ahead of the World Cup opener with Uruguay next Saturday evening, with training sessions taking place at excellent facilities in place at the nearby Alpha Sports Centre. The Young Lions had a practice match against Australia on Saturday morning, that consisted of four 20 minute sessions and was deemed a success for both teams as they aim to be on top form for the World Cup.

It was a late arrival at the hotel, which will be England’s base for the first two games, before they move on to Suez for the final group game against Uzbekistan and shortly after their arrival the players were off to their rooms for rest ahead of Tuesday’s events.

A bright day in Ismailia greeted everyone on Tuesday morning and after breakfast, the players took the chance to have an individual chat with Head Coach Brian Eastick and Assistant Kenny Swain while others chose to relax in the swimming pool which dominates the central area of the resort.

Situated right on the banks of the Suez Canal, there are frequent passers-by in the shape of huge cargo boats and the odd cruise ship en route to the Mediterranean Sea.

With England’s games all kicking off in the evening, and with the hot conditions during the day, the squad’s first training session in Egypt will take place on Tuesday evening after spending the late afternoon in the resort’s gymnasium.

We will keep you updated with the teams news.