Detroit Lions bonding well in England says coach Jim Caldwell

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell says his players are loving their time away from the United States ahead of their Wembley date with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

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Caldwell oversaw the final day of Lions practice at Pennyhill Park, which is also home to the England rugby union team, on Friday with star wide receiver Calvin Johnson joining in with his team-mates as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Lions were early arrivals in London ahead of Sunday's game and they have been full of praise for their hosts, with Caldwell admitting the trip is helping to foster an improved team spirit.

They have been one of the more impressive sides in the league so far, boasting a 5-2 record and having the top rated defense seven games into the season.

Cohesion

"A lot of our guys will be sad to leave because it's been a great setting," Caldwell said before his side relocated to a base nearer Wembley.

"Ordinarily, a lot of these guys are married and have families so they would be at home with their families in the evening.

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"But this particular setting provided an opportunity for those guys to kind of maybe get to know your teammates a little better. This has fostered a bit more cohesion.

"Some of these guys have not been to one (training camp), other than, obviously, when we work at our facility. You're not away from things like you are here. It has a unique feel to it, and I think we benefited from the camaraderie.

"Our guys have been able to focus. Our last two days of practice have been really sharp, so we go into the third one today, and hopefully that will be equally sharp."

Johnson, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, got in a decent session with his offensive team-mates but Caldwell says his availability will be a game-time decision.

"He did work yesterday, and I thought he did a pretty good job," Caldwell said. "We'll see where he is today."

Johnson is listed as questionable on the official injury list, with tight ends Eric Ebron and Joseph Fauria out and running-back Reggie Bush and tight end Brandon Pettigrew doubtful.

Watch Detroit v Atlanta live on Sky Sports 2 on Sunday afternoon with coverage from 12.30pm.