Bertrand absent from England Euro 2016 training

Chantilly (France) (AFP) – Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand was the only absentee as England staged an open training session in front of schoolchildren at their Chantilly training base north of Paris on Tuesday.

Bertrand missed England’s 1-0 win over Portugal last week with a knock and is now doubtful for their Euro 2016 opener against Russia in Marseille on Saturday.

While the rest of the squad were put through their paces, Bertrand worked with a fitness coach on an adjacent pitch. It leaves Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose likely to start at left-back against Russia.

Addressing the crowd of around 400 people watching the session, England manager Roy Hodgson said, in French: “We’re very happy to be here in Chantilly and we thank you for what you’ve done.”

Calling Chantilly a “beautiful town”, he added: “Thank you and enjoy the training.”

The rest of the 22-man squad, including Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who is reported to be considering an offer from Arsenal, trained on a hot, sunny morning at the Stade des Bourgognes, home of local side US Chantilly.

After a warm-up, there was a volleyed passing exercise in which goalkeeper Joe Hart experiences some difficulties, to the amusement of his team-mates.

Prior to the session, Chantilly mayor Eric Woerth welcomed England to their training base and a group of local children, draped in St George’s flags, sang ‘God Save the Queen’.

“I want to welcome the England team on behalf of the municipality of Chantilly,” said Woerth, who was a minister in the government of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“It’s your ground, your playground, and I hope the tournament will be good.

“We’re proud you’ve chosen Chantilly and we’ll follow you throughout the tournament. Vive the Three Lions!”

England will continue to train in Chantilly before travelling to Marseille on Friday.