SUITS AND ARMOUR... THE RUSSIA MISSION IS UNDER WAY

THE security for England at the 2002 World Cup in Japan extended to a warship anchored next to the team hotel. Every time David Beckham and his colleagues made the short trip to their training ground, it would chug a few miles along the Awaji Island coastline to accompany them. Here in Repino last night it was rather more low key, with an armoured truck and a heavy presence of armed police officers enlisted to keep Gareth Southgate and his players safe.

Southgate seemed as relaxed as the secluded beach resort he has chosen for England’s base — a place that was once a home to Lenin but is now popular with honeymooners and wealthy, outdoor types from St Petersburg, some 20 miles down the coast.

England’s manager said he hoped his players would take the time to visit what is widely considered the most beautiful city in Russia, perhaps on the days they will get to spend with their families after matches.

Eric Dier certainly sounded keen to take in a bit of history, even if many of his England colleagues seem more interested in beating each other at video game Fortnite.

‘We like the town,’ said Southgate, who is sure to enjoy a run along the sands that fringe the Gulf of Finland or perhaps make use of the extensive network of forest trails. ‘ We liked St Petersburg and we’re hopeful that the players and their families will have the opportunity to go into the city when we’re not working.

‘We like the fact that we can take the hotel just for ourselves. That’s good for the balance of working but also players being able to relax and have some time for themselves.

‘We’re really pleased with the base and we’re looking forward to

being able to meet the community here a bit more.’

Harry Kane echoed the sentiment. ‘We’re excited to be here now,’ said England’s captain. ‘We just wanted to get over here, get settled and start to prepare for the games ahead.

‘It’s a World Cup. There’s always going to be pressure, nerves and excitement. But for us it’s just about training hard, working hard until the game and then going out there and having some fun. I know we’re going to get great support out here and when you get to that stadium for the first time and you hear all the fans, that’s when it becomes special.’

Yesterday, supporters were even able to follow the progress of England’s flight from Birmingham on their smartphones, using a special app.

The mission is most definitely under way.

Boys in blue dressed to thrill (from left): Dele Alli,

Looking sharp: Danny Welbeck (left) and John Stones don the red, white and blue for the team photo

Taking it on the chin: Welbeck and Stones pose for the cameras before the photoshoot

Brylcreem boy: Harry Kane gels his hair while Jesse Lingard straightens his tie

Man in the mirror: manager Gareth Southgate will be hoping to tie the opposition in knots

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

MARK LARGE Protecting the defence: an armed policeman guards the team bus as Eric Dier leaves the airport

One for the cameras: Kane poses with a volunteer and an artwork of himself with the Golden Boot in St Petersburg

Military operation: Russian troops make their presence felt outside the England hotel in Repino

Ready for take-off: Kyle Walker gives the thumbs up as he boards the plane

Ping-pong king: Jordan Henderson in flight