Anthony Gordon has hailed John Stones' "elite mentality" in proving his fitness ahead of Euro 2024 and claimed England have never had such strong competition for places.
All 26 players took part in England's first training session at Jena Stadium on Tuesday, including Stones who was taken off at half-time of last week's final warm-up friendly against Iceland as a precaution due to an ankle injury.
However, the Manchester City defender was involved throughout the informal session in front of around 200 locals as England stepped up their preparations for Sunday's Group C opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, while Luke Shaw also featured, although he was kept away from the contact part of the session as he recovers from a hamstring problem.
Shaw is not expected to be available against Serbia but everyone else is pushing to start and Newcastle United winger Gordon said: "I was a bit worried when [Stones] went down [against Iceland] because he's such a big player for us but he's fine. He's got an elite mentality, so I've had faith in him.
"[Shaw] is back in training now and doing really well. I did a bit of my rehab with him and he was way far ahead of schedule. He was doing great, which is good.
"A few people have said it where the squad has never been so competitive in terms of everyone is in form and everyone has come here in a really good place.
"There is definitely competition for places. Everyone is going to be at their best to try and play."
Gordon also urged Southgate to remain as manager after he told German newspaper Bild this summer's finals could be his "last chance" to end the England men's team's 58-year wait for silverware.
Southgate's contract is up in December with a decision on his future expected after England's involvement in Euro 2024 is over and he said "if we don't win [the tournament], I probably won't be here anymore."
Gordon, who as part of the team that won the Under-21 European Championships last year, said: "From a selfish point I would want him to stay. I love working with him and his staff. From my youth journey with England, the way they have transitioned the whole set-up from youth to senior level has been absolutely amazing and I don't think they get the credit he deserves."
England arrived at the luxury Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land base on Monday and Gordon added: "Basecamp is unbelievable. Honestly, I wish you could see it. We have everything we could ask for -- basketball court, padel court, spa for recovery.
"We have absolutely everything and couldn't have asked for anything better. It's a great place to be because when you come away from home, away from family for so long -- hopefully -- you need that base and start to make it a home from home. We've definitely got that."