RIO FERDINAND get on the beers with England fans “taking over Dusseldorf” ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 clash – and enjoyed a reunion with an ex-Manchester United team-mate.
The Three Lions are preparing for the last-16 showdown with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen tonight.
England were held to a stalemate by Slovenia on Tuesday but still managed to claim top spot in Group C to reach the knockouts.
After initially struggling to a 1-0 win over Serbia before last week’s dour 1-1 draw with Denmark, the performance against Slovenia failed to excite supporters.
However, that has not stopped them from assembling to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s side today.
And former England defender Ferdinand, who has been working as a pundit for the BBC out in Germany, has got right in amongst it.
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He was around 26 miles away from Gelsenkirchen in Dusseldorf.
The Manchester United legend, who won 81 caps for his country and played at three World Cups, shared a clip of himself, pint of beer in hand, singing along with a group of other supporters.
Ferdinand captioned the video clip on X with: “ENGLAND taking over Dusseldorf… love it!”
And as kick off approached, he then shared a clip of himself and Ashley Young, who played with him at both United and England and who is now at Everton, grabbing a hug and selfie together.
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England received a boost on the fitness front yesterday as all 26 members of Southgate’s squad trained.
Left-back Luke Shaw has now returned to full training after being sidelined throughout the whole group stage.
But the 28-year-old is not ready to start, meaning that right-footed Kieran Trippier looked set to continue filling in for him.
But the Newcastle ace, 33, was having his own fitness issue and is said to have missed training on Friday due to a calf problem that he battled through to face Slovenia.
Fortunately, there was relief to see him involved yesterday even with reports stating that Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, 26, would deputise as makeshift left-back if needed.
Declan Rice also did not train with his colleagues on Thursday.
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But he was also out on the field on Saturday as Southgate looked to put the finishing touches to his plans to help seal a spot in the quarters.
England already know who awaits them in the last-eight if they can get past Slovakia.
They will take on Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf after the Swiss dumped holders Italy out last night with a 2-0 victory.
It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack Wilshere
KOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.
I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.
But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.
Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.
And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.
It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.
He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.
Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.
Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.
Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
