England’s Under-21 side took time out of training to visit their senior counterparts as both teams gear up for the latest round of international fixtures.
Marcus Rashford greets Tammy Abraham
Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions, featuring stars Tammy Abraham, James Maddison, Ryan Sessegnon and Demarai Gray, were greeted by full internationals including Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jesse Lingard.
Both sides are currently based at St George’s Park for training ahead of crunch fixtures this week.
Both squads shared a handshake and a few words, with Leicester club-mates James Maddison, with the Under-21s, and Harry Maguire exchanging a hug.
The Under 21s host Holland on Thursday in a Euro qualifier, before Gareth Southgate’s side take on Spain at Wembley in their first Nations League game two days later.
Last year, Tammy Abraham, stated that he never considered playing for Nigeria despite being approached by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President Amaju Pinnick.
Pinnick, who claimed to be friend of the player’s father, had assured football loving Nigerians that Tammy Abraham will represent Nigeria at senior level having played for England youth teams.
Born and raised in London, Abraham was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his parents, but he opted to pledge his allegiance to England.
He told Sky Sports, “I was pretty set on England really. Playing in the Premier League meant it would be nice to play in the England team as well.
“They tried to, but like I said, the main focus was England. I see myself as being a long-term England player — I am 100 percent focused here to try and get into that team.”