France hold first Bentley University session in sweltering heat | OneFootball

France began work in Boston on Wednesday, holding their first session at Bentley University in Waltham in fierce heat as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Senegal in New York on Tuesday 16 June.

According to L'Équipe, kick-off is 15:00 in New York, 21:00 in France, and the opening 15 minutes of training were open to the media.

All 26 players took part, including Jules Koundé, who suffered a muscle scare in Monday’s 3-1 win over Northern Ireland but has caused no alarm.

During the open segment the outfielders warmed up, then worked on juggling and passing drills. Goalkeepers Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Robin Risser trained separately on an adjacent pitch.

The heat could mirror matchday conditions, with the facility offering no shade despite its tree-lined setting half an hour from the team hotel. In direct sun it felt oppressive, well above the 32C recorded in the shade when the session began.

Samba acknowledged the heat as a factor and said the squad would adapt as everyone must, noting a team meeting had covered the issue and that they feel conditioned and ready. The staff have aligned the week’s schedule with the upcoming kick-off time, and Maxence Lacroix said this was necessary so the body can process the time difference and the other changes.

Source: L'Équipe