BOOZED-UP Brit holidaymakers are gearing up for England’s clash with Slovenia tonight – with punters set to pack out Benidorm bars.
Die-hard fans kitted out in England gear have been chanting “Come on England” as they down pints in the sun ahead of the final group game.
Sun-loving tourists have flocked to the popular Spanish party resort not only to enjoy a holiday but to cheer on England at the Euros.
Booze is flowing in pubs across Benidorm – with St George’s flags on every corner adding to the party atmosphere.
England are already through to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 – with the Three Lions taking on Slovenia in their final group match in Cologne tonight.
But they still need a win to guarantee a top spot – and an “easier” last-16 tie.
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And holidaymakers in Benidorm are optimistic the Three Lions will come out on top – with predictions showing Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as most likely to score.
Fans are planning to get the celebrations started early – packing out Benidorm’s bars and pubs to down bargain £1.30 pints.
Londoner Steve Mathews, 55, who travelled to Spain for his pal Andy’s birthday bash, said the group will start drinking “early” around 12pm ahead of the much-anticipated game.
He told The Sun: “We’re going to the Marina here in Benidorm. I love the Euros I get really excited I’m looking forward to it.
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“[We’ll start drinking at] midday. We’ll take it easy as the game is not until 8pm… have a good time and enjoy life.”
Speaking about the team’s chances, Steve said: “The performance has definitely got to be better than the last one.
He added: “The last one was dreadful – hopefully 3-1 for England and we qualify at top. And we get the easier teams to play.
“Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – two headers I reckon.”
Three Lions fans Eda Kazimirczac, 18, and her pal Elis Davidova, 18, said they were excited for England to win.
“Kane and Bellingham will score for sure,” they said.
Jake Nuttal, 24, from Preston, was positive that England would beat Slovenia.
But he wasn’t go sure the team will bring it home in Euro 2024.
Jake told The Sun: “I hope we win, but I doubt we are the way Gareth Southgate is going at the minute. But you never know.”
Asked about tonight’s clash, he predicted: “England 2-1. Bellingham and Fodden.”
‘We’re struggling with and without the ball’, admits Harry Kane
HARRY KANE admits England “haven’t been good enough
Here’s what skipper Kane said after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark:
“We’re struggling with and without the ball.
“The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right. We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
“Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.
“We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home.
“But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.
“It wasn’t our greatest game but we got away with draw.
“We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”
“In the second half, we changed it with me and Jude (Bellingham) playing in front of their two midfielders. But it was difficult.”
England’s place in the next round has been confirmed by Spain’s 1-0 win over Albania.
Southgate’s men go into tonight’s game already on four points after beating Serbia and a draw with Denmark.
But England’s clash against Slovenia is still an important game as they will lose their top spot if they lose.
A win for Slovenia would see them overtake England and move into first place thanks to their decent performance in the tournament so far.
And a draw wouldn’t necessarily be enough for England as Denmark beating Serbia would leave us equal on points.
If England go through second, the Three Lions will be forced to face old rivals Germany for a place in the quarter-finals.
It means Southgate’s team will need a high-scoring match tonight.
No matter what happens tonight, England fans are sending positive vibes from Benidorm.
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British pubs are packed with revellers who fly the England flag high as they anxiously wait until 8pm.
Let’s bring it home!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
