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Training gets underway for Republic of Ireland ahead of clash with England at Wembley

Ronan Curtis and Aaron Connolly, left, during a Republic of Ireland training session at The Hive in Barnet, England on November 9. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

IRELAND'S preparations for their friendly against England this week went up a notch last night as the squad's training got underway at Barnet's Hive Stadium.

Manager Stephen Kenny announced his 26-man squad for their impending England, Wales and Bulgaria matches on November 5.

Manager Stephen Kenny briefs players during last night's training session at The Hive

Within that line-up, a huge positive for Ireland is the return of captain Seamus Coleman.

The Everton full-back missed last month’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final defeat in Slovakia and the fixtures against Wales and Finland which followed it due to a hamstring injury.

Seamus Coleman, left, pictured with James Collins, is back in the squad

The squad were in good spirits as Kenny and his coaching staff put them through their paces.

Following their Premier League game last Sunday, West Brom’s Callum Robinson and Spurs’ Matt Doherty sat out training last night.

Ireland's Callum O'Dowda in training ahead of their friendly with England on Thursday

This will be the first match Ireland play in their new Umbro Kit and it’s been confirmed that the ‘Boys In Green’ will play in White on Thursday, in their first meeting with England at Wembley since their 1-1 draw in 2013.

Kenny's men will line up against Gareth Southgate's side on Thursday, November 12 at 8pm.

Speaking about the match last month, Kenny welcomed the new fixture, stating: "It's a high quality game for the team.