Fabian Delph has dismissed suggestions that England's players could fall prey to complacency ahead of their World Cup opener against Tunisia on Monday.
Gareth Southgate's charges are based on the Gulf of Finland in the quiet resort town of Repino, leading to worries about the players struggling with the atmosphere, as well as concerns about those who do not feature in games.
However, the Manchester City midfielder described Southgate's training sessions as "fiery" ahead of the Group G fixture in Volgograd and insisted that the players are not afraid to call each other out.
Asked by Sky Sports News about negative attitudes creeping in, Delph replied: "No I don't think so. We're a close bunch but once training starts it's fiery. It's spicy and the intensity is there.
"People are not afraid to dig people out. Nothing's ever personal, that's what I've found with this squad. As long as it's constructive criticism, people take it on the chin.
"We've worked on various different systems with various personnel. The team's not guaranteed, there could be changes. But from the set-up that we've done, it's pretty clear who's going to be starting."
After taking on Tunisia, England face Panama and Belgium in their other Group G ties.
