The excitement around England's Euro 2016 squad is reaching fever pitch according to captain Wayne Rooney.
Anticipation for the tournament is building nicely in France, and back home across the Channel, and Rooney says the feeling is no different among the players.
England landed in France on Monday and have settled comfortably into their plush Chantilly headquarters in preparation for Saturday's Group B opener against Russia.
"The longest time in tournaments is always those few weeks in the build-up to the first game, and we're within touching distance of that first game now," Rooney told FATV.
"You can sense the excitement around the team and around the team hotel, and I think you sense that excitement around the country.
"Certainly the fans are doing that but the players are doing exactly the same. We're the ones going out on the pitch and we're the ones who have to go and do it, so hopefully we can and we'll give everyone good memories."
Rooney and company were welcomed to the £500-a-night L'Auberge du Jeu de Paume by mayor Eric Woerth, who told them Chantilly was "a small part of England in France" due to its links with the British horse racing industry.
An open training session at the Stade de Bourgognes saw local children kick off proceedings with a rendition of God Save the Queen and players happily stayed behind to sign autographs afterwards.
The serene start to the competition has not been lost on Rooney.
"It's been great," he said.
"I think it's always great when the locals give you a warm welcome, and we've certainly had that.
"At the training ground it was nice to have a lot of kids there showing support, and it was nice for us to see them and to sign a few autographs to really thank them for their support."
Source: PA
