England captain Wayne Rooney says the excitement is building within the squad as Saturday’s Euro 2016 game against Russia gets ever nearer.
The squad have settled comfortably into their plush Chantilly headquarters after travelling to France on Monday and the focus is now on their Group B opener in Marseille.
“The longest time in tournaments is always those few weeks in the build-up to the first game, and we’re within touching distance of that first game now,” Rooney told FATV.
“You can sense the excitement around the team and around the team hotel, and I think you sense that excitement around the country.
“Certainly the fans are doing that but the players are doing exactly the same. We’re the ones going out on the pitch and we’re the ones who have to go and do it, so hopefully we can and we’ll give everyone good memories.”
Roy Hodgson’s squad were welcomed to the £500-a-night L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume by mayor Eric Woerth, who told them Chantilly was “a small part of England in France” due to its links with the British horse racing industry.
An open training session at the Stade de Bourgognes saw local children kick off proceedings with a rendition of God Save the Queen and players happily stayed behind to sign autographs afterwards.
“It’s been great,” added Manchester United striker Rooney. “I think it’s always great when the locals give you a warm welcome, and we’ve certainly had that.
“At the training ground it was nice to have a lot of kids there showing support, and it was nice for us to see them and to sign a few autographs to really thank them for their support.”
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