Skip to content

England World Cup trip like lads' holiday, says Fabian Delph

Watch England v Spain, live on Sky Sports, on Saturday from 7pm

 during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Image: Fabian Delph says coming home from Russia in the summer was a 'massive comedown'

Fabian Delph admits returning from the World Cup was a "massive comedown" and says the atmosphere in the England camp was like a "lads' holiday".

The Manchester City makeshift left-back returned to the national side this year after a three-year absence and made four appearances for the Three Lions as they reached the semi-final stage for the first time in 28 years.

Live UEFA Nations League

Delph said that after the thrills of reaching the top four on the global stage came an unavoidable lull.

"We spent so much time together in Russia it felt strange the first week being back home," he told talkSPORT. "It was a massive comedown.

 during the England Media Access on June 16, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Image: Delph made four appearances for the Three Lions in Russia, making the starting eleven on two occasions

"We pretty much nailed everything from the start of the camp, the togetherness. When we weren't on the pitch it was everyone laughing and joking, watching movies, just getting on.

"It felt almost like a lads' holiday. I spoke a lot out there about the chemistry and energy we have at City and the energy here is the same if not better."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gareth Southgate gives updates on the fitness conditions of Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana

Delph, who briefly returned home from Russia to welcome his third baby, has yet to play in the Premier League this season.

Also See:

"I'm not concerned about it, it's a very long season," he said.

"At a club like Manchester City we're soon going to be playing three games a week and not everyone can do that."

England welcome Spain at Wembley for their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football.

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Jeff has given away over £1.5m over the last fortnight! Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky