ENGLAND’S heroes worked up a sweat in blistering 33C heat as they trained ahead of their World Cup opener.
But James Maddison did not join in the full session as he manages the workload on his knee.
The Leicester ace was subbed off in the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Ham as a precaution.
Maddison did join his team-mates at the start of Wednesday lunchtime’s session but then went back inside shortly afterwards.
The remaining 25 players in Gareth Southgate’s squad were on the pitch in the sweltering early afternoon temperatures at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium, 15km south of Doha.
And it was no surprise to see the squad desperately taking on board fluids as many opted for sleeveless vests to try and keep cool.
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Eric Dier was the first player out for England, who play all their group matches later in the day than their 12.30pm training.
Ben Rosenblatt led the early fitness and football drills in the blazing heat, with assistant boss Steve Holland adding the odd command.
Rosenblatt is the FA’s lead men’s physical performance coach.
Kyle Walker ruled himself out of Monday’s Group B clash with Iran – which kicks off at 4pm local time.
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But the Manchester City defender again joined his team-mates as they went through their paces under the watchful eyes of Southgate, assistant Holland and the rest of the coaches.
As well as their light ball session yesterday, the Three Lions also hit the gym.
Callum Wilson was in fine spirits as he lifted weights while Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson were also snapped putting in the hard work.
Southgate has just four days to go until his team get their World Cup campaign underway.
They then face USA next Friday before ending their group stage against neighbours Wales.
The Dragons pushed their Thursday session back to avoid having to be out during the hottest part of the day.
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