Three Lions squad gets down to work at St. George's Park

Tuesday 04 Oct 2016
Wayne Rooney arrives at St. George's Park ahead of England's game against Malta

England's players have arrived at St. George's Park as preparations for this month's 2018 World Cup qualifiers get under way.

The squad, including new boy Michael Keane, checked in at midday before meeting with interim manager Gareth Southgate.

 

Watch as the England squad reports for duty at St. George's Park

Skipper Wayne Rooney spoke to the media in the afternoon, telling the press that he does not expect the change of manager to affect the squad.

"We have to come here and do our job," he said. "In terms of 'starting again', I'm not sure. We need to build on the three points we go in the last game.

"As a group of players, we need to stick together and concentrate on the football. I'm sure it's been a tough couple of weeks for The FA, but the players have been with their clubs.

"It's obviously a new manager in Gareth and I know it's a big opportunity for him. As a team, we have to keep working together and not get involved in other issues."

The media also heard from defender Gary Cahill, who echoed his captain's thoughts: "Of course it is disappointing to lose the manager, but now we have to move on.

"We have to prepare for the games that are coming up. We move forward with the new manager, the new challenges and new ideas that we'll find out about.

"I'm looking forward to working under him, listening to him and taking on board his plans for taking England forward."

By Jim Lucas at St. George's Park