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England fans’ must-read guide to Cologne as Three Lions gear up for crucial Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia


ENGLAND fans are heading to Cologne in their tens of thousands to cheer on the Three Lions against Slovenia.

Gareth Southgate’s men can secure top spot in Group C with a win – but will want to improve on their performances against Serbia and Denmark.

England fans will be heading to Cologne to watch the Three Lions face CologneCredit: Getty
There is plenty to enjoy in the city in western GermanyCredit: Getty
SunSport headed to Cologne for the full low downCredit: SunSport


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And ahead of the game, SunSport headed to Cologne to produce a must-read city guide for every England supporter out there – including the best places to have a beer. 

And die-hard FC Koln fans Danny Voss, Maurits van Keulen and Cologne-based English journalist Matt Ford gave us the low down on their beloved city and where travelling Three Lions supporters should be heading. 

Stadium

SunSport says: The game will be played at the RheinEnergie Stadion – the 50,000-capacity home of FC Koln.

The arena was built for the 2006 World Cup where Joe Cole scored his iconic long-range chest-and-volley goal in a 2-2 group stage draw with Sweden.

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England take on Slovenia at the RheinEnergie StadionCredit: AFP
That was where Joe Cole scored his memorable volley against Sweden in 2006Credit: PA:Empics Sport

Fan zone

SunSport says: The official fan zone is at The Heumarkt, just a short walk from the iconic 13th century Cologne Cathedral.

The square is surrounded by bars and pubs and will show every Euros match. 

England’s game with Slovenia will also be shown at the riverside Tanzbrunnen public viewing zone.

Fans can watch the game at the fan zoneCredit: Getty
A giant TV screen will show the Group C clashCredit: Getty

Best place for England fans to gather

Matt says: “Head to Alter Markt.

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“The market square in the centre of the old town is in the shadow of the cathedral, full of nice green spaces with lots of bars and pubs. England fans will definitely be happy there.”

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Fans should head to Alter Markt to soak up the atmosphereCredit: Getty
FC Koln fan Danny Voss showed us aroundCredit: SunSport

Best pubs for England fans in Cologne

Danny says: “There are lots of different Kölsch beers in Cologne and Brauhaus Paffgen is the best so head to the Paffgen brewery in the centre of town.”

Brauhaus Paffgen is a great spot for a drinkCredit: Tripadvisor
Barney Vallely’s offers the Irish experienceCredit: Tripadvisor

Maurits says: “Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is in the old town but is smaller and not as crowded.”

Best restaurants for England fans in Cologne

Matt says: “Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.

“It doesn’t look the best from the outside but once you get inside a good Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) will sort you out.”

Maurits says: “Max Stark is perfect for football fans.”

Lommerzheim is a traditional German classicCredit: Tripadvisor
Max Stark is another great optionCredit: Tripadvisor

Must drink German beer

Matt says: “Every Kolsch is 4.8 per cent and they all traditionally get served in 0.2 litre glasses.

“But don’t underestimate it because, trust me, within an hour you will have forgotten how many you’ve had and that’s when things start to get very dangerous!”

A classic German Kolsch beer is a must in CologneCredit: Getty

Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?

EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.

Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.

But who is the sexiest?

Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.

And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.

In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.

While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.

But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.

Must eat German food

Matt says: “Mettbrotchen is mashed raw meat spread on a bread roll and dipped in onions.”

Maurits says: “Frikadelle is sliced meat, like a hamburger made of meatballs.”

Mettbrotchen is a German delicacy that brave England fans may tryCredit: Getty

Must visit tourist attraction

Matt says: “Definitely head to Cologne Cathedral.

“You can see the two spires on top of the 13th-century Kölner Dom from miles away. It’s the symbol of the city and the place to go.”

Mautits says: “Take a boat trip along the river. And if you’re here with children, go to the zoo, it’s one of Europe’s best.”

Scotland fans enjoyed their trip down the riverCredit: PA
The double-spired 13th-century Cologne Cathedral is worth a visitCredit: PA

Fun Cologne fact

Danny says: “You can drink and speak Kolsch.

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“The official Cologne language and the beer made here are called Kolsch.

“People also think carnival is from Brazil but it is from Cologne which has massive parades and street parties twice a year.”

Jack Wilshere: Southgate must be brave with Rice

By Jack Wilshere

GARETH SOUTHGATE should be brave and play Declan Rice as our sole holding midfielder.

But if England manager Southgate doesn’t want to do that — and he probably doesn’t ­— then he needs to give Rice the chance to play more like he does for Arsenal.

Let’s be absolutely clear here. Rice was so important for us again during that first half against Denmark.

The fact that he had a difficult second 45 minutes showed how much England were struggling.

Rice himself would hold his hands up and say he gave away the ball too often.

But what I took overall from his performance is that he needs more help in the engine room.

Read here how Jack Wilshere would resolve the Declan Rice dilemma.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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