Squad train at club named after late Colombian defender.

By Nicholas Veevers in Medellin

England U20s had their first training session on Colombian soil on Tuesday evening, as they continue their preparations for Friday’s World Cup opener against Korea DPR.

The squad had a good work-out too, following a day of no training on Monday when they made the trip from the USA to South America following their high-altitude camp in Denver, USA.

And the team’s warm welcome in Colombia continued, with a sizeable contingent of locals there to welcome them to the Unidad Deportiva Andres Escobar club, named after the Colombian international who was tragically murdered in Medellin during the aftermath of the 1994 World Cup.

The squad were put through their paces during the whole session by Fitness Coach Craig Boyd, as well as taking part in some small set-play situations and finishing moves before rounding things off with a penalty shoot-out practice.

It was then back to the hotel for a swimming pool recovery, but not before Head Coach Brian Eastick faced some questions from a sizeable Colombian media pack, including four television stations and three newspapers, illustrating just how big this competition is considered by the natives.

Wednesday afternoon will see the players head to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot to train, as the final plans are put into place for the game with Korea.