Royal Marines give tips to England football team on intense training weekend

The England football squad experienced a different kind of boot camp over the weekend - with tips and tricks from the Royal Marines.

Twenty members of the squad were taken on a surprise trip to the Lympstone base - spending 48 hours in army fatigues completing a series of exercises designed for marine recruits.

Upon arrival at the training centre - located between Exeter and Exmouth - the group immediately changed into their ‘rig’, or, for the uninitiated, military training uniforms.

Activities included a night camping under the stars on Woodbury Common, where even boss Gareth Southgate was not afraid to get involved.

The weekend helped the players prepare for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland tonight.

The team were dressed for the occasion. Credit: Barry Wheeler/Royal Navy

The Three Lions manager said he wanted to put his squad into a different environment they weren't expecting.

Raheem Sterling prepared sleeping bags in darkness. Credit: Barry Wheeler/Royal Navy
Gareth Southgate is helped out of a water hazard of an obstacle course. Credit: Barry Wheeler/Royal Navy

The Commando Training Centre’s commandant, Colonel Mike Tanner, said he and his staff enjoyed working with Southgate’s men.

Jake Livermore applies camouflage paint. Credit: Barry Wheeler/Royal Navy