The temperature at their training camp in Repino, 30 miles north of St Petersburg, averages a pleasant 21C and yesterday it was only 11 degrees.
But it’s a boiling 20 degrees hotter in the southern city of Volgograd, 1,000 miles away, where the Three Lions kick off their campaign against Tunisia on June 18.
FA chiefs insist the conditions will not be a major issue and England’s build-up has involved training in a wide range of temperatures.
Boss Gareth Southgate was always aware the St Petersburg area is cooler than where England are expected to play most of their matches.
“I feel really good and training has been of a high intensity.”
England captain Harry Kane
But he wanted to base his squad in the quiet spa resort of Repino.
Hot or cold, it won’t worry England captain Harry Kane who says he is at his “fighting weight” for the tournament.
And that’s despite a UEFA cock-up that listed him at a whopping 15-and-a-half stones.
Kane said: “The lads came over and said my weight had been put at 96 kilos.
“I don’t know if it’s been changed but I’m definitely not 15-and-a-half stone.
“I feel really good and training has been of a high intensity.
“Obviously everyone is fighting for places and that has pushed everyone along fitness-wise.
“It’s been tough because for the last 50 years we haven’t won anything. We’ve got to stay focused on ourselves and not worry about the teams in the past.”
Be the first to comment