OWEN FARRELL gave England a massive thumbs up as he trained with no problems less than a week after surgery.

The Red Rose skipper was getting stuck in on the Algarve as Eddie Jones' side upped the ante ahead of facing Ireland in Dublin.

2 Owen Farrell takes on Manu Tuilagi in England training Credit: Jonny Fordham

The fly-half, 27, brought his team together in a huddle at the beginning of Friday morning's session.

Saracens star Farrell was back on the pitch despite having thumb surgery six days ago to fix a tendon problem in his hand.

Winger Joe Cokanasiga trained alone as he was eased back into the swing of things after damaging knee ligaments in December.

Wasps flanker Brad Shields was missing from the group after he picked up a hip injury with his club, leaving him as a huge doubt to face the Irish on February 2.

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Unsurprisingly, England's backs were training in anticipation of an aerial battle at the Aviva Stadium.

With box-kicking specialist Conor Murray back fit for the Grand Slam holders, boss Eddie Jones knows they will have to fight in the air.

England backs under the high ball. . .using balls like a bar of soap with zero grip, as Scott Wisemantal hits them with a foam noodle 😂 pic.twitter.com/76w0Rt6m5g — Jonny Fordham 🏉📰 (@SunJonnyFordham) January 25, 2019

So attack coach Scott Wisemantel and Aussie Rules guru Neil Craig had Mike Brown, Jack Nowell, Chris Ashton, Elliot Daly and Jonny May up under the high balls.

But it was a drill with a difference as Wisemantel put off the back three by HITTING them with a foam noodle as Ben Youngs played the role of opposite scrum-half Murray.

2 Owen Farrell is a key part of Eddie Jones gameplan Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Jon Clarke, S&C coach who joined England from Warrington Wolves, leads the forwards in a drill pic.twitter.com/tSb7XsAgb3 — Jonny Fordham 🏉📰 (@SunJonnyFordham) January 25, 2019

Former Warrington Wolves strength and conditioning coach Jon Clarke lead the forwards with Billy Vunipola and his brother Mako back training with the squad for the first time since the summer tour of South Africa.

Ireland were training just down the road, but they will fly home on Friday evening as England stay on and jet to Dublin next Thursday.