Kyle Walker and John Stones taking part in a training session at St George's Park

England footballers have begun their 2018 World Cup preparations at St George’s Park.

Kyle Walker and John Stones taking part in a training session at St George's Park
Kyle Walker and John Stones taking part in a training session at St George’s Park

The Football Association’s centre of excellence near Lichfield will be the team’s base before they head out to Russia next month.

Players including Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Dele Alli will be arriving today (May 21) ahead of the first formal training session with Gareth Southgate tomorrow.

Cllr Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said he was pleased to see the region playing a part in England’s bid for World Cup glory.

“Staffordshire is hugely proud to be home to the FA Centre, which is not only home to the country’s 28 national teams but it is also a fantastic education facility and national attraction,” he said.

“We are proud to be welcoming members of this World Cup squad to the county today and I know people across Staffordshire will be cheering on the whole team at their temporary home here in Staffordshire and away in the competition in Russia next month.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.