FIFA U17 World Cup: Heat, humidity greet England in Kolkata as Borussia Dortmund sensation finally arrives

Steve Cooper's Young Lions today held their first training session in Kolkata at the SAI Complex. One of the favourites for the tournament, the English squad arrived at the City of Joy on the 3rd of October with a traditional reception of Dhaak and Folk dance.

The training session was a lively one and was one both the local and international press were eagerly waiting for with the likes of Nya Kirby, Tashan Oakley Boothe, Phil Foden, Rhian Brewster etc. But all eyes were searching for Manchester United's new youth sensation, Angel Gomes. The youngster, who was on the scoresheet in the last practice match against New Zealand, was seen having some light-hearted moments with his teammates. The side, who were quite happy with the hospitality of the locals, seemed to be taking some time in adjusting to the local heat and humidity, which could be a big factor in their upcoming matches.

The English were initially handed a big setback when Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund refused to let go of their latest deadline day recruit and England U17 starlet Jadon Sancho, who was the side's main player and top scorer in the European U17 Championship. But after much discussion with the English FA and the German club, Dortmund allowed Sancho to join the team for the group stages and the player linked up with the rest of his teammates late last night.

England have been boosted by the arrival of Sancho, at least for the group stages!

Sancho, who was present in today's training session seemed happy and motivated to be back with his national teammates and was seen adjusting slowly to the hot and humid climate of Kolkata. An important player in the team, it remains to be seen whether the English FA could come to some agreement with BVB if they are to qualify from the group stages where they will face Chile, Mexico and AFC U17 champions, Iraq.