Sunderland AFC completed another significant step in their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win against Lens in France. Second-half goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor secured victory in the penultimate friendly before the start of the season.

Manager Régis Le Bris expressed satisfaction with the performance, saying: "We are building for the season ahead - one of the most exciting seasons for this club in over 50 years. Layer by layer, step by step, we are improving every day."

Le Bris highlighted the team's control throughout the match against the French side. "Today was a good game, a good step-up, against a very good side. I thought we played well; we were in control for long spells throughout the 90 minutes. We found solutions to score, which is always important."

World Cup Players Return

Captain Granit Xhaka and summer signing Thomas Meunier both started the match following their World Cup involvement. Le Bris was pleased to have the additional players back in the squad.

"It was great to have the World Cup players back in the group," he said. "We've done some really good work with the core group before they arrived, but the connections are really positive in the whole squad; you could see that today."

Injury Updates

Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele both missed the fixture against Lens due to minor knocks. Le Bris is hopeful both will return soon, stating: "Omar and Nordi have minor injuries. It's important we take care of them before the start of the season. They should be available for the beginning of the season, but we have a long campaign coming up, so it's important we take care of all of our players."

Building Momentum

With two weeks until Sunderland's Premier League opening day fixture against Ipswich Town on 22 August, Le Bris expressed confidence in the squad's direction.

"It's a really important couple of weeks coming up," he said. "I can feel the energy of the squad, and I like the direction we are heading in. The lads are totally aware of the challenge and are working really hard. The energy, the togetherness, our connection with the fans, it feels like we have impetus. If we keep building on those foundations, we will have good results, for sure."