Sunderland man speaks to FATV about World Cup call-up and preparations.

By Nicholas Veevers
FIFA U20 World Cup
29 July - 20 August 2011
Colombia
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England newcomer Blair Adams has revealed that training for the U20 World Cup is going to plan so far as the Young Lions prepare for their trip to Colombia.

The squad are currently in Colorado, USA to train at the same altitude as their ultimate World Cup destination in Medellin, Colombia where England face games with Argentina and Korea DPR before heading north to the coastal city of Cartagena to play Mexico.

Having been in Denver for almost a week now before heading on to Colombia next Monday, the Sunderland defender believes that everyone should be in good shape by the time they face the Koreans on Friday 29 July.

"It's been brilliant so far, we've been working hard in altitude and it's been harder than I expected,” he admitted to FATV.

"You can really feel it, you get short of breath quite quickly, but we've been here for a few days now so we're getting used to it.”

This trip is Adams’ first experience within the England set-up and follows a good year for the 19-year-old at the Stadium Of Light following his graduation from their Academy.

After making the most appearances for the Black Cats reserve team last season and experiencing life with Steve Bruce’s first team squad on a couple of occasions, Adams was delighted to get the chance to sample international football with Brian Eastick’s squad.

"To get the call for a World Cup, I can't ask any more really and it's a massive thing for my first call-up too,” he added.

"The lads have been great, the training's been good and the coaches have been excellent giving us little tips and things so I've settled in quite quickly.”

Watch the full interview with Blair now by clicking on the link to right.