England squad have St George’s but Sir Bobby made do with wall for extra practice
AN EMOTIONAL Sir Bobby Charlton told England’s players to embrace the state-of-the-art facilities at St George’s Park after the training pitch was re-named in the World Cup winner’s honour.
After winning 106 caps, scoring 49 goals and playing a key role in the triumph of 1966, the former midfielder’s achievements were recognised once again ahead of his 80th birthday next Wednesday.
England’s training area at St George’s Park – celebrating its fifth anniversary – has been renamed the Sir Bobby Charlton Pitch in the Manchester United legend’s honour.
Charlton and his wife Norma were welcomed by manager Gareth Southgate before training yesterday, where Harry Kane went over to speak to the World Cup winner before the informal unveiling ceremony.
“Lads, before we start training, I mentioned to you earlier Sir Bobby is here,” the England boss told his squad.
“For us, it is a great privilege, one of our greatest ever players and as we know such an important player in us winning the World Cup.
“One of our greatest ambassadors as well for the game. We’re delighted to have you, it is fantastic for us to name a pitch after you.
“It is Sir Bobby’s 80th birthday next week and also the fifth anniversary of St George’s Park, which he was a big advocate of.”
Charlton became tearful before Southgate spoke and used the opportunity to tell England’s current crop to embrace their surroundings.
“It’s a pleasure,” he said. “I loved every minute when I was a footballer – every minute of the day.
“I used to practise and at Manchester United there was a big wall on the side of the pitch and I used to practice with my left foot, with my right foot, with my chest.
“Fortunately, I became really quite successful, but I am thrilled that this sort of facility is here.
“We never had anything like this when we were footballers and I hope you appreciate it.”
Charlton was presented by Southgate with a signed England shirt with ‘Charlton 80’ on the back, before all squad members shook hands with the World Cup winner. The 79-year-old will also be guest of honour at Thursday’s World Cup Group F qualifier against Slovenia at Wembley, where England could secure qualification for next summer’s tournament.
Fabian Delph and Phil Jones are being assessed ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers this game and the following match with Lithuania.
Former Leeds United midfielder Delph – called up by Southgate for the first time – played the entirety of Manchester City’s Premier League win at Chelsea, while Manchester United defender Jones was involved for the full 90 minutes in the victory over Crystal Palace.
Both are being assessed by the FA’s medical team, while Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Michael Keane did a recovery session yesterday after their exertions on Sunday.
England are five points clear at the top of Group F, with Thursday’s home game against Slovenia and the weekend’s trip to Lithuania to come.
But Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand says there is still plenty of hard work ahead as England look to secure qualification for the World Cup, which they could do on Thursday.
He said: “It’s not over, we are very much of a positive mindset. The work isn’t finished and we will try to get the six points.
“All games internationally are tough. Slovenia will need the points, but we need points as well.”
Bertrand wants to get the job done at Wembley rather than waiting to go to Lithuania.
“For me personally, with a fan’s head on, it would be nice to qualify in front of our fans, but we still have work to do,” he said.