ENGLAND players were put through their paces in the soaring Qatar heat ahead of Monday's opener against Iran – although concerns over James Maddison's fitness continue.

The Three Lions are acclimatising to the 33-degree weather and appeared to be feeling the sun.

Fortunately, temperatures will drop to around 26C by 4pm – the kick-off time for the Iran clash.

Harry Kane led the team out followed by goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale and went through drills ran by former Manchester City and Wales 'keeper Martyn Margetson.

But there was bad news for Southgate as Maddison was absent from training once again.

The Leicester ace was the only player to miss out on training on Thursday and he missed out again due to a knee problem.

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But Kyle Walker, who will be absent for the Iran clash, again trained despite his groin injury.

Maddison was subbed off in the first half of Leicester's 2-0 win at West Ham on Saturday as a precaution.

Once again several stars including Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson wore sleeveless shirts and shorts in an attempt to keep cool under the watchful eye of assistant boss Steve Holland.

Kane and his team-mates took on board plenty of fluids shortly after training began, with the players also making use of "The Heat Shack".

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That is what the squad call the tent cover at the side of the training pitch, which includes a misting fan that players can use to cool down.

Players will be ager to impress with Phil Foden has reportedly performing well enough to earn a starting place against Iran.

Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount are also pushing for a place but could struggle to fit into Southgate's preferred 3-4-3 formation.

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