England trains set-pieces for Eagles 

With the World Cup in Russia drawing ever closer, Gareth Southgate is ramping up England’s preparations at St George’s Park.

The Three Lions, whose World Cup campaign begins on June 18, trained on Thursday afternoon in the gloomy conditions and were put through their paces by England manager Southgate.

The England squad were seen defending set-pieces before taking part in small-sided games at the national training complex ahead of their friendly with Nigeria on Saturday.

Southgate and assistant manager Steve Holland were pictured in deep discussion with striker Harry Kane, who was named England’s World Cup captain last week.

England’s goalkeepers were also put to the test as Jordan Pickford, favourite to be No 1 this summer, was seen desperately diving to his left to save an effort while Jack Butland watched on.

England’s World Cup campaign gets underway on June 18 against Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena.

Following their opener, the Three Lions face Panama on the 24th and Belgium just four days later in their final group game.