Thursday 19 May 2016 06:04, UK
England's first training session ahead of Euro 2016 was gate-crashed by a member of the public, just days after the Old Trafford security scare.
Roy Hodgson's squad, minus those involved in the Europa League and FA Cup finals, were taking a break from a practice match at St Georges Park when a man, seemingly in his early to mid-20s and wearing England training gear, ran on to the pitch.
His presence caused minimal drama among the players, who did not appear concerned by, or perhaps aware, of his presence, as he was allowed to enter and leave the pitch without alerting security staff.
The interloper did nothing more threatening than aim a couple of wayward strikes at an unguarded net but coming just days after the abandonment of Manchester United's Premier League match with Bournemouth, and on the eve of the European Championship, this was an unwanted episode.
"The person in question was the son of an invited Club Wembley member who had to follow a formal registration process on entry to St George's Park," said a Football Association spokesperson.
"The FA were aware of his identity and we will take appropriate action in due course as a result of this unacceptable behaviour."
The incident occurred midway through an hour-long training session at St George's Park, where media watched the session alongside Club Wembley members.
The individual took to the field during a drinks break, entering the field from the same stand as invited spectators - appearing to avoid the attention of security staff.
Some of the players and coaching staff noticed him sprinting in their direction but did not appear flustered.
His intentions remained unclear as he kicked a couple of loose balls towards an empty net and walked off again.
Stewards by now appeared to have been alerted to the situation and grabbed the intruder as he returned to the stand.
It is an unwelcome episode in the build-up to a tournament when the safety of fans and players is already a hot topic.
November's attacks in Paris involved explosions outside the Stade de France, which will host the Euro 2016 final, and were followed by the Brussels bombings in March, heightening fears the tournament could be targeted.
