Pictured
CLUCKING BRILLIANT
World Cup 2018: England stars put through their paces ahead of Croatia semi-final – and there’s a surprise inclusion at training
FANS will be hoping England don't 'chicken' out of the battle against Croatia tomorrow as the Three Lions' date with destiny edges closer.
Gareth Southgate will lead his troops into their biggest game for 28 years when they take on the Balkan nation in the World Cup semi-finals.
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As it has been throughout the tournament in Russia, the mood was a good one in training today as the lads were put through their paces by a watchful Southgate.
And there was just enough time for a bit of fun too, as the players were seen throwing rubber CHICKENS at each other during the session.
Despite the prospect of England reaching a first World Cup final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966, the squad looked relaxed during the open section of their morning session.
When asked about the bizarre training exercise, Southgate said: "That's exactly what I asked out fitness coach as well. What is that all about?
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"Our physical performance coaches try to keep refreshing the warm-ups for the players and keep them stimulated, a bit of fun to get them moving. Some mobility exercises."
With every player set to be at his disposal, it remains to be seen if Southgate sticks with the same line-up that started against both Colombia and Sweden to reach the last four.
England have a clean bill of health ahead of their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.
The Three Lions take on Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday looking to earn a place in Sunday's final.
England have fun in training the day before they meet Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals
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Jordan Henderson was a fitness worry with a tight hamstring but trained fully alongside Jamie Vardy, who missed Saturday's win over Sweden with a groin injury.
SunSport reported how manager Southgate is not expected to reshape his midfield to combat Croatia dangermen Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic.
So the same 11 that started against Colombia and Sweden are set to start in Moscow.
Midfielder Dele Alli said: “We just have to focus on ourselves because every team we’ve come up against we haven’t changed our philosophy — and we aren’t going to do that now.”
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Ashley Young believes England in a great position to win World Cup
Southgate had considered sacrificing Tottenham ace Dele in Saturday’s quarter-final against Sweden and play Eric Dier as a second defensive-minded midfielder.
But after he stuck to his guns and saw Dele score in a 2-0 win, there is now a strong feeling he will keep with Plan A.
And Kyle Walker believes this may be England's best ever chance to reach a World Cup final.
The defender said: "It's a great opportunity. I think we all know that.
"I think it's the best opportunity that England's ever had (since 1966), and probably might ever have because no disrespect to Croatia but the other side of the group was a lot more difficult.
"They have got some fantastic players. I've played with Luka (Modric) and for me he is one of the best midfielders in the world by far.
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"But we have to just adapt ourselves to their game plan, but also they have to worry about us.
"We've played well, we've played well in the games. I think we've shown immense character."
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