England head coach Sarina Wiegman has hailed the Lionesses’ “incredible” World Cup welcome in Australia.

Around 3,000 spectators watched England, whose squad includes Albion winger Katie Robinson, train during an open session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland.

Robinson is one of five current Albion players taking part in the tournament with one more on a standby list.

In addition, seven former Seagulls are in squads named for the tournament with one more waiting as a reserve.

Robinson, who turns 21 next month, is the youngest member of the England squad and has bounced back from a serious knee injury via a loan stint at Charlton.

She is among the emerging players who have forced their way into the Lionesses group since they won the Euros last summer.

They received a warm welcome on arrival Down Under.

Wiegman said: “To see so many fans join us today was incredible.

“We have received such a warm welcome from everyone since we arrived, it really feels like a home away from home for us and we are delighted to be here.

“With the brilliant facilities and the excellent climate, we can’t think of anywhere better to get to work and finalise our preparation for the tournament.”

England will step up their World Cup preparations with a behind-closed-doors game against Canada on Friday before travelling to Brisbane three days later, where they face their opening group match against Haiti on July 22.

They will also meet Denmark in Sydney and China in Adelaide during the competition’s group stage.

Robinson’s likely role would appear to be as a potential impact sub – and also gaining experience for future tournaments.

Current Albion players Rebekah Stott (New Zealand), Lydia Williams (Australia), Guro Bergsvand (Norway) and Lee Guem-min (South Korea) were all named in squads for the tournament.

Albion forward Elisabeth Terland made a strong case for inclusion in the Norway squad with her club form in the later stages of last season.

As it is, she has been named on their reserve list.

The Republic of Ireland squad includes four former Albion players.

Megan Walsh and Megan Connolly were both let go this summer after distinguished spells with the club.

Denise O’Sullivan and Lily Agg are also in the Irish squad.

Norway goalkeeper Cecile Fiskerstrand, France midfielder Lea Le Garrec and England striker Alessia Russo are all former Albion players named in squads while Maya Le Tissier is a reserve for the Lionesses.