Guide: Avram Grant, whose father Meir survived the Holocaust, shows England around

Walking between the bleak, brown brick buildings at Auschwitz on Friday, I took the opportunity to tell Hodgson about his predecessor.

'I didn't know that,' said England's manager. 'Shocking. Really shocking.'

Hodgson and members of his squad passed under that same infamous sign that had once greeted Weisz at the entrance to Auschwitz.

That had lied to him as it lied to all the men, women and children who were gassed, mutilated, shot or simply allowed to die of starvation or disease in this purpose built death camp.

Arbeit Macht Frei means 'work sets you free' and, as England's guide, Wojciech Smolen, said: 'It was pure irony.'

Seven players joined Hodgson on the 70km journey from their tournament base in Krakow. Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Phil Jagielka, Joe Hart, Jack Butland and Leighton Baines.

With them was FA chairman David Bernstein and other officials. The players went in casual wear after consultation with the sports science and medical team, who wanted them in comfortable outfits ahead of Monday's opening game.

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