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      England fans’ joy as Germans rush in extra beer supplies to Cologne ahead of Slovenia clash – after Scots drank city dry

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      JOLLY England fans arriving in Cologne have breathed a sigh of relief as German brewery bosses rushed extra beer supplies into the city.Pubs and bars in Cologne faced a lager crisis after Scotland’s Tartan Army drank bars dry last week – knocking back an estimated one million pints before they crashed out of Euro 2024 on Sunday.England fans are overjoyed as Germans announced plans to rush in extra beer supplies to Cologne ahead of the Slovenia clashEngland fans have are expected to knock back a whopping 25 million pints on Tuesday in the city before their clash with SloveniaCredit: AFPScotland fans drank bars dry in Cologne last week – knocking back an estimated one million pints before they crashed out of Euro 2024 on SundayCredit: RexBut brewery chief’s supplying local speciality booze Kölsch announced emergency stocks have been deployed just in time for the surging Three Lions fans ahead of Tuesdays clash with Slovenia.The crisp and cool 4.8 per cent ale is expected to serve up a treat to fans who are hoping Gareth Southgate and his men can finish Group C in first place.Kölsch brewery spokesman Michael Bosemann said: “We have the experience to cope –  especially thanks to our beloved Cologne Carnival.“Even if there might be individual pubs that run out of stock; the Kölsch in Cologne will not run out!”read more in EnglandKölsch beer gets its name from the language spoken in Cologne which is also called Kölsch.Some bars may still face a drinking crisis with the number of fans expected to be boozing throughout the week in the tens of thousands.A record-breaking army of at least 50,000 Three Lions supporters began arriving in the historic city yesterday for the crunch clash with Slovenia.Bars have been struggling to restock after 100,000 thirsty Auld Enemy drinkers drained the city when the Scots’ drew 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.Most read in Euro 2024England fans are set to boost beer sales in Cologne by 50 per cent in the coming days with a whopping 25 million pints expected to be finished on Tuesday alone.Around 16 million viewers on ITV will be cheering on the boys in white as look to shake off criticism in recent days and return to form.England fans’ must-watch guide to Cologne ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs SloveniaITV’s biggest ratings of the year are expected across TV and ITVX streaming while £125million will be splashed on big match food and drinks.England’s 35,000 pubs will also be packed with two million drinkers knocking back an estimated 12 million pints in pubs with 13 million getting drunk at home.British Beer and Pub Association spokeswoman Emma McClarkin said: “Fans know there is no better place to watch live than at the pub.”Simon Dodds, chief executive of pub chain Young’s, said: “Trade is up due to England games and £1million-worth of business is pre-booked for upcoming games.”It comes as boozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German restaurant in Gelsenkirchen ahead of their opening tie with Serbia.GE Piazza was left inundated with thirsty punters who ended the opening Euros weekend downing 60 kegs of beer.A whopping 7,500 beers were sunk in just two days as the quiet Italian restaurant quickly became the unofficial meet-up spot for fans dubbed “Little Wembley”.Thrilled manager Umit Yavuz, 43, told the Telegraph: “This is as busy as we’ve been for a long, long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Probably since the last time England played in Gelsenkirchen in 2006, but back then there were more pubs and bars in the city so this time around everyone has come here.”I put on an England shirt to entice the supporters in. It’s always a popular move.”Guide to Cologne
      By Assistant sports news editor Will Pugh
      AHEAD of Tuesdays 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. 
      STADIUM
      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.
      FAN ZONE
      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.
      WHERE TO MEET FELLOW FANS
      Head to Alter Markt in Cologne as it is full of green spaces and lots of bars and pubs.
      Or visit the Paffgen brewery which is tipped to be one of the best boozy spots in the city.
      Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is also a good option for a slightly less rowdy crowd.
      The famous Cologne Cathedral is also a guaranteed winner as it is steeped in history and renowned as one of the best buildings in Europe.
      RESTAURANTS
      Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.
      It sells a speciality Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) which is a great try for those with adventurous taste-buds.
      Max Stark is also a perfect place for peckish football fans.

      English pubs are said to bracing for two million drinkers knocking back an estimated 12 million pints on TuesdayCredit: GettyBoozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German restaurant in just one weekend in GelsenkirchenHarry Kane and his team mates are looking to bounce back after a miserable draw to DenmarkCredit: Getty More

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      Boost to touring England fans as strong beers are BACK for Euro 2024 clash against Denmark

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      ENGLAND fans will be back on the strong beers at the Denmark game tomorrow — after being forced to down shandies for the Serbia win. They will also be allowed to drink while watching the match — a pleasure that has been banned at home for 40 years.Fans at England’s next Euros clash will be able to enjoy stronger beers as well as take them to their seatsEngland fans celebrate at the official UEFA Fan Zone during England’s win over SerbiaFears of hooligan clashes around England’s first group match led to a crackdown by German authorities.Fans at Gelsenkirchen’s 62,000-seat Veltins Arena were only allowed to sup a 2.5 per cent Bitburger Radler shandy and buy two at a time.But at Frankfurt’s  Waldstadion — with a capacity of 58,000 — a 4.8 per cent Bitburger lager is available.Police and security analysts predict a party atmosphere at the stadium before and after our second Group C game kicks off at 5pm.READ MORE ON THE EUROSEngland will qualify for the tournament’s knock-out stages if they win.Around 40,000 England fans are expected to flood into the city,  even though the FA was allocated just 10,000 seats for the game.Company director Jamie Holbrook, 49, from Grimsby, said: “Frankfurt is really busy with fans from all over Europe and this is great news.“It will be a treat for fans who haven’t watched footie with a beer for years in English grounds.”Most read in Euro 2024Spurs fan Paul Meadows, a 38-year-old roofer from West London, added: “I can’t wait to get the beers in at the game. Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violence“And I don’t mind getting soaked by beer when Jude Bellingham scores again!”Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch has been banned in the top five tiers of English football since a 1985 hooligan crackdown. Rules are relaxed in Germany’s Bundesliga. The Football Supporters’ Association hailed the ale sale move, announcing: “Alcohol is expected to be back to normal for this game, with no restrictions on sale and normal beer percentages available.“And you should be able to drink in the stands — Frankfurt is a great city with plenty of options for England fans.”Bars in the city have been stocking up on lager and local speciality apple wine. The cider-like drink is around five per cent proof and is proving popular with visiting fans.A city spokesman said: “We don’t expect any riots and rampages.“We’ll also sell Frankfurt’s beloved national drink, apple wine, which isn’t just alcohol — it’s our cultural heritage!”England fans dodged the strong beer ban in the stadium at Sunday’s game by pre-loading with extra booze for hours before kick-off.But the Frankfurt city spokesman declared: “If the English want to knock back eight beers before the match, they will.“We’ve already got many Scots around who give us an impression of what to expect from the English in the following days.”Meanwhile, Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, 19, hailed the fans in Germany and back home.He said: “All the support is appreciated, you feel it most in the stadium. “It was amazing against Serbia.“I just hope everyone tunes in and supports us. “Everyone dreams of scoring big goals for their country. “It’s always been a big dream.”Rice’s on SongEngland’s Declan Rice has been described by his team as the best singer and dancerMIDFIELDER Declan Rice is the England squad’s best singer and dancer — says his teammates.Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford named the £100million Arsenal ace, 25, as top of the pops among the Three Lions.And when Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was asked to rank the team’s skills on the dancefloor, he said: “Dec’s got a bit.” Rice is known to enjoy singing along to music with his teammates.He has named Pawsa’s Pick Up The Phone as a favourite — and also gave a brief rendition of Dexta Daps’ Shabba Madda Pot.’Yob’ fan bailPolice are to seek a football banning order against Gordon Thomas, 39AN ENGLAND fan appeared in court yesterday after trouble broke out before our opening Euros match against Serbia.Gordon Thomas, 39, was held at Manchester Airport after he returned to the UK from Germany on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors said police will seek a football banning order against him. Thomas, from Bolton, is accused of being involved in violence in the streets of Gelsenkirchen before Sunday’s 1-0 victory.The HGV driver was bailed at Manchester magistrates’ court and the case adjourned until August 23 to allow him to seek legal advice. More

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      England fans drink 2 MONTHS worth of beer in one Euros weekend at German pizzeria that became unlikely ‘Little Wembley’

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      BOOZY England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German pizzeria in just one weekend.Tens of thousands of fans descended on the city of Gelsenkirchen for the victorious Three Lions clash with Serbia on Sunday with the emptied out restaurant now being dubbed “Little Wembley”.Boozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German pizzeria in just one weekendCredit: RexGE Piazza managed to sell out 7,500 pints across the opening weekend of the Euros with Three Lions fans to thankCredit: PATens of thousands of thirsty fans piled into Gelsenkirchen ahead of the Euros clash between Serbia and England on SundayCredit: PAThe ingenious nickname came about after GE Piazza was overrun with footy fanatics in the lead up to the blockbuster opening tie.A whopping 7,500 pints were sunk in just two days as the quiet little restaurant quickly became the unofficial meet-up spot for boozy Brits.Gelsenkirchen is famed for being an old school town with little to offer in terms of entertainment, pubs and clubs. GE Piazza was left inundated with thirsty punters who ended the opening Euros weekend downing 60 kegs of beer. read more in England fansFans are also believed to be waking up feeling fresh as they reap the benefits of hangover-proof beer due to German booze being free of many chemicals and preservatives.The owners revealed on a typical weekend they only manage to sell around two kegs worth of beer per weekend.The English are a thirsty bunch. You drink beer like we drink waterDenizGE Piazza managerThe thrilled manager Umit Yavuz, 43, said: “This is as busy as we’ve been for a long, long time. “Probably since the last time England played in Gelsenkirchen in 2006, but back then there were more pubs and bars in the city so this time around everyone has come here.Most read in Euro 2024″I put on an England shirt to entice the supporters in. It’s always a popular move.”Umit also made the clever choice to hang up the flags of all 24 teams in the competition outside his boozer in the hopes of attracting football fans.Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violenceThe manager was also pleased the city managed to host England in the opening game as Umit said the English “really likes to drink”.Co-manager and Umit’s sister Deniz, 38, was amazed by the atmosphere created outside her restaurant.Fans first located “Little Wembley” on Friday before returning a day later to continue drinking.By Sunday Deniz said they were packed for almost the whole day.She added: “The English are a thirsty bunch. You drink beer like we drink water.”Gareth Southgate’s men ran out one nil winners in a lackluster match against tricky Serbian opposition. The nervy game was watched by many supporters with a beer in hand as viral clips showed British beer gardens and fan zones erupting with flying booze after Jude Bellingham’s match winner.Pubs and fan zones across the nation were rammed as supporters knocked back 30 million pints of beer.Boozers and supermarkets enjoyed a £150million spending bonanza and brewery chiefs said 30million pints were downed, giving the sector a £24million boost.A supermarket rush also saw sales of beer, pizzas, burgers, St George’s flags and even TVs soar with Tesco set to sell 33million packs of beer and cider in the coming month.England, followed by their passionate army of fans, now head over to Frankfurt to play Denmark on Thursday as they try to secure qualification out of the groups with back-to-back wins.It comes as the strength of booze inside the packed out Arena AufSchalke was a serious topic of debate for the days leading up to the game.Despite being assured beer would be sold inside the ground, full strength beer at England vs Serbia was axed days before kick off.It was replaced by low alcohol shandy amid threats of boozed-up ultras violence plaguing the match.England fans were also left stranded in Gelsenkirchen for up to three hours following the Three Lions’ clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThousands of supporters relied on trams and shuttle buses in order to get to and from the stadium but they were shockingly halted late in the day.This organisational error is said to have caused numerous delays to the tram network, with many left stuck and unable to proceed with some deciding to walk home piled with booze and without a map.England fans’ pain at beer pricesPubs and fan zones were rammed as England supporters knocked back 30 million pints of beerCredit: PAFans in Germany were applauded by restaurant managers for their ability to drink boozeCredit: PAEngland ran out one nil winners in the tie leaving boozed up Brits overjoyedCredit: PA More

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      England fans wake up thankful for ‘hangover proof’ German beer at Euros after boozing on special ‘headache-free’ steins

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      ENGLAND fans will be reaping the benefits of hangover-proof beer today – flying in the face of daft Foreign Office warnings to “take it easy” while partying at the Euros tournament.Nannying civil servants told Three Lions supporters to “know their limits” – because German lager can be “stronger” than in the UK.Fans in Gelsenkirchen watching the Serbia England game on SundayCredit: PAEngland fans celebrate their side’s victory after the Serbia England match last nightCredit: GettyFans won’t have a sore head this morning thanks to the German beerCredit: GettyBut an ancient purity law dating back over 500 years means German ale is free of the chemicals and preservatives found back home.Meaning Brits celebrating the 1-0 win against Serbia last night may be doing so with a clear head.The 1516 Reinheitsgebot limits German beer ingredients to water, hops, malt and yeast – making for fewer headaches the morning after a boozy session, according to stein-lovers.This is despite the fact the average strength of the Euros hosts’ lager is between 4.7 and 5.4 per cent – compared to 4.4 per cent in the UK, according to Drinkaware.read more on 2024 eurosFan James Phillips, 44, who has tickets for two England group games, told The Sun: “But the stories about beer brewed in Germany being hangover-free is a big boost.”I think most England supporters will be having a drink or two after the matches – hopefully celebrating a win rather than drowning our sorrows.”The Foreign Office advice comes across as very patronising.”German master brewer Arthur Bruno Riedel, from Bottroper Bier, said: “Most German beers are brewed using the bottom-fermented brewing method.Most read in Euro 2024″That means the main fermentation takes place at low temperatures.“As a result, fewer fermentation by-products are formed, which are responsible for the wholesomeness of the beer.“If the beer is allowed to mature at 0°C for at least four weeks after the main fermentation, you can be sure that you won’t get a headache from the beer.”Footie drinkers have also urged to be aware of strange local customs and laws – such as in Cologne, where England play Slovenia and beer mats are used as receipts.Bars in the city also serve ‘kolsch-beer’ in third-pint glasses – which waiters keep topping up until a mat on top.Earlier this year the Government  posted on its website warning: “Beer can be stronger than in the UK, so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws.”You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much.”The guidance has been branded “pointless” by critics as well as fans.Up to half a million British fans are expected to head to games in Germany – a figure that could rise to 800,000.Ahead of Sunday’s match tournament chiefs decided to pull full-strength beer for fans, replacing it with a lower-alcohol shandy.The move came after security risk ratings were ramped up from “high” to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore pro-Putin yobs would turn up.And chaos did unfold in the German city of Gelsenkirchen yesterday when 200 riot cops had to break up a clash between England and Serbian fans.Seven Serbian hooligans were arrested following the bust-up, which left a Brit fan bleeding from his head.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the reduced alcohol beverages, football fans were left stunned by the prices as they set up camp for Sunday’s match.They still had to fork out £6 a pop for a bottle of the weakened shandy.England fans’ pain at beer prices
      Full-strength beer was axed before the match over concerns about a clash between Serbian hooligans and English fansCredit: AP More

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      England fans down whopping 30million pints of beer in boost to pubs as they roar on Three Lions

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      MILLIONS of Three Lions fans roared on their heroes last night as England kicked off their Euros campaign — while thousands more cheered them on in Germany.Pubs and fan zones across the nation were rammed as supporters knocked back 30 million pints of beer.Fans on the Otley Run in Leeds fly the flag as they cheer on the Three LionsCredit: NB PRESS LTDPrepping for the game at the fan zone in Winter Gardens, BlackpoolCredit: Dave NelsonPals have a livener before the match at a fan park in GelsenkirchenCredit: PAExcitement builds for supporters in the Gelsenkirchen fan zoneCredit: RexEngland fans get in the mood at Boxpark, Croydon, South LondonCredit: LNPAnd the first wave of England’s biggest-ever fan exodus saw 40,000 travel to Gelsenkirchen, praying for a Harry Kane-inspired goal-fest over the next month. Only 10,000 match tickets were available for Three Lions fans as our Euros got under way with the Group C opener against Serbia.But 30,000 more headed to Germany to soak up the atmosphere — including in a 40,000-capacity fan zone, stocked with 80,000 litres of beer and 32,000 sausages.Back in England, fan zones and pubs across the country were packed with excited supporters.Read More on SportBoxparks at London’s Wembley, Croydon and Shoreditch were rammed — as were venues in ­Birmingham, Liverpool and ­Bristol. Chart legend Chesney Hawkes, England’s good luck mascot from the last World Cup, made a surprise guest appearance at the Boxpark in Croydon.He blasted out his No 1 hit, The One And Only, before last night’s match — but changed the words to get the crowd going.Chesney, 52, told The Sun: “England are the one and only — come on boys, you can do it!”Most read in Euro 2024In Newcastle, fans braved the rain to cheer on their heroes in the city’s Times Square fan zone.Barber Rhys Patterson, 23, who turned up more than two hours before kick-off, said: “We’re going to win the whole thing.”England fans go crazy as Jude Bellingham puts Three Lions 1-0 up vs Serbia in Euro 2024 openerIn Leeds, fans massed in the city’s Millennium Square and competitive drinkers on the Otley Run pub crawl also cheered on our boys. It was the same story at the Winter ­Gardens in Blackpool.England ace Phil Foden’s son Ronnie, five, was also urging on his old man in a Three Lions shirt and chain combo.He captioned the snap to his four million Instagram followers: “C’mon England.”Over in Gelsenkirchen town centre, fans belted out songs as they braved English-style rain and wind. Retired bar boss Terry Rose, 66, from Huddersfield, West Yorks, put a smile on faces with his St George’s Flag suit and bowler hat.Terry said: “I got it for the Qatar World Cup because everyone thought that was going to be a grim tournament and I wanted the fans to be happy. It’s my eighth tournament and we are going to win it.”Charity fundraiser Russ Cook, 27, known as Hardest Geezer, ran 352 miles from Wembley to ­Gelsenkirchen for the game.Another England fan, Nick Buckley, 33, from Surrey, said: “I am sure we are going to kick on.“I’m backing Harry Kane to get a hat-trick early on.” His pal Tim O’Neill, 34, who lives in Dubai, added: “It’s brilliant here. There’s a great atmosphere and everyone is enjoying themselves.”As revealed exclusively in The Sun, strong lager was banned in the 62,000-capacity Veltins Arena to avoid trouble — but it broke out in the town centre five hours before kick-off. At home there were no restrictions on booze sales. An England fan in Gelsenkirchen today before the gameCredit: Jeremy SelwynEngland ace Phil Foden’s son Ronnie was also urging on his old man in a Three Lions shirt and chain comboCredit: GettyHe captioned the snap to his four million Instagram followers: ‘C’mon England’Credit: InstagramFans were able to roar their heroes on in pubs and fan zones.Boozers and supermarkets enjoyed a £150million spending bonanza and brewery chiefs said 30million pints were downed, giving the sector a £24million boost.READ MORE SUN STORIESA supermarket rush saw sales of beer, pizzas, burgers, St George’s flags and even TVs soar with Tesco set to sell 33million packs of beer and cider in the coming month. And an estimated television audience of 17 million tuned in for yesterday’s BBC coverage. More

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      Three Lions fans gather in Germany ahead of England’s opener as HUGE sum team will pocket if they lift trophy revealed

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      THOUSANDS of Three Lions fans gathered in Germany yesterday ahead of England’s Euros opener — as it emerged the squad will pocket £14million in bonuses if they win.Supporters were in high spirits as they looked forward to today’s game against Serbia — with Gareth Southgate’s men favourites for the tournament.Harry Kane’s England squad will pocket £14million in bonuses if they win the EurosCredit: GettyHappy Jude Bellingham during an England trainingCredit: RexGareth Southgate’s men are favourites for the tournamentCredit: AFPAnd if they do go on to lift the trophy on July 14, the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.Stars such as captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will share a £9.6million chunk of the prize pot.Boss Southgate is in line for a £4million windfall, with assistant manager Steve Holland also promised a hefty bonus.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.Read More on SportHe said: “Of course, the players love playing for their country but football is huge business and they would fully deserve their bonuses.“Sponsorships and endorsements will go through the roof. Their transfer value will increase and they will have life-long fame. Unlike the class of 1966 their fame and rewards for winning will begin from day one and continue for many years to come.”Whatever the outcome, England fans thronging the bars and fan zones of Gelsenkirchen, where tonight’s game in being played, as well as in neighbouring Dusseldorf, Dortmund and Essen, made it plain they were in the mood to party.Some even hugged supporters from arch rival Germany.Most read in Euro 2024Fans in Three Lions shirts were spotted downing lager in bars from 11am — as authorities pulled back from a drinking crackdown.Full-strength beer has been banned at the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena for tonight’s game and only weak 2.8 per cent brews or Radler shandy will be served. England fans to embrace German tradition of sinking pints at corner shops at Euros as locals demand stores stay open lateBut officials confirmed 4.8 per cent Bitburger beer would be on sale in fan zones for £4.23 a pint.It delighted England fans who were forced to shell out £14 a pint at the Qatar World Cup in 2024.Company director Jamie Holbook, 49, from Grimsby, said as he drank a crisp lager beside a big screen in Essen: “As you can see, I’m not drinking shandy.“I’ve got tickets for the first two games and can’t wait to see what this England team can do. I’m sure the atmosphere will build over the next few days and England have a great chance if players like Jude Bellingham are on form.”Pal David Blake, a 57-year-old care manager, said: “Every England fan I’ve seen here is looking forward to the football and the beer — it’s going to be a great party.Building company boss Paul Taylor, 34, from Manchester, said: “It’s great to finally get here to get the England party started.COME ON ENGLAND!
      A MODEL dubbed “the world’s hottest football fan” has revealed her heartbreak that Jack Grealish was scrapped from England’s Euros team.
      Croatian beauty Ivana Knoll, 26, stole the limelight at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and is in Berlin to support her team.
      She exclusively told The Sun on Sunday she would be sad not to see the England midfielder but was happy for Croatia.
      She said: “With big players not playing we have a better chance.”

      “The weather’s a bit too much like home at the moment but at least we’re getting away from the election and the beer is strong and cheap.”Bournemouth fan Alan Marsh, 41, his son Tommy, ten, Arsenal fan pal Aaron Drayton, 39, and his son Theo, eight, arrived in Gelsenkirchen after an 11-hour drive.Aaron said: “We haven’t got tickets for the match but we wanted the boys to experience being in the fan zone. “We are all really looking forward to it — hopefully, it will be a memory of a lifetime for them.”But loyalties will be divided for Julie Popple, 57, and her son Jack, 24, who flew from their home in Zug, Switzerland.Jack lives with his Serbian girlfriend Tatjana Stalovic, 23, and says she is convinced her team will triumph. Supporters Leah Ray, 21, and Astrid Wett, 23, in DusseldorfCredit: Paul EdwardsEngland fans enjoy a lager or two in EssenCredit: Paul EdwardsAn England and Germany fan raise a glass together in GelsenkirchenCredit: Story Picture AgencyBut Jack said: “It will be a tough game but I can’t see Serbia beating us.”Police were on alert for 500 Serbian Ultras hooligans threatening to cause trouble in Gelsenkirchen.At least 1,000 officers, including some drafted in from Cologne, Dortmund and Düsseldorf and backed by riot police with batons and shields, were standing by.Meanwhile, an estimated 17million armchair fans were gearing up to watch the game on BBC One.The game is likely to generate the highest TV ratings of the year.It has sent supermarket sales of beer, pizzas, burgers, St George’s flags and even TVs soaring.COME ON ENGLAND!
      MASKED thieves stole a giant 11ft decorative inflatable football worth £1,000 from outside a pub just hours before the Euro 2024 kick-off.
      The crooks pounced at the Duke of Cambridge pub in Mapperley, Nottingham.
      Landlord Simon Fyfe said they were caught on CCTV, adding: “I don’t know what they are going to do with it.”
      He is offering a free bar and food tab for an England game for anyone who helps return the outsize ball.

      Tesco beer buying manager James Renshaw said: “When England play, demand for beer, wine, pizzas and snacks rockets. “The tournament is creating a month-long carnival.”Fraser McKevitt, head of retail at analysts Kantar, said: “The Euros are having a big impact on grocery sales, particularly alcohol.”As well as £40million being spent by those staying at home, another £110million is likely to be spent in Britain’s 35,000 pubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey expect an extra 20million pints to be served during the Euros while two million pubgoers will down 14million pints tonight alone.Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Fans cheering on the Three Lions this Sunday know that the pub is the best place to be.” More

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      England fans set to guzzle 300m pints cheering on Three Lions during Euro 2024 in £2.7bn spending blitz

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      THIRSTY England fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournament as they flock to pubs across the country.The British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pints worth £94million.Thirsty England fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournamentCredit: GettyThe British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pintsCredit: GettyBrewery Greene King expects to sell seven million pints at its venues – including 37,000 pints tonight in London alone.A £2.7billion spending spree is also predicted – surpassing the £2bn spent during the winter World Cup in Qatar – as fans take advantage of the sociable game times and warmer weather.Those watching the Three Lions at home are expected to send supermarket sales soaring.Tesco predicts it will flog 33million packs of beer and cider over the coming month.Read more Sports NewsWhile Asda is expecting to sell 14million units of Budweiser over the tournament.The amount is enough to cover 3,000km – the distance from Leeds to Gelsenkirchen where England play their first game.Jeff Moody, Commercial Director of Bira Group, said: “The Euros arriving in the summer months is fantastic timing for independent retailers after a challenging period.”With favourable kick-off times aligning with the sunshine, we’re expecting pubs, hospitality businesses, convenience stores and electrical retailers in particular to cash in as fans flock to watch the matches.”Most read in Euro 2024It comes as German cops who slapped a strong beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis instead.Fears of booze-fuelled trouble at Sunday’s game against Serbia saw stadium chiefs told to serve only weak beer or shandy.What do cannabis plants look and smell like?But cannabis was legalised in Germany on April 1, and a Gelsenkirchen Police spokesman told The Sun yesterday that fans getting “Harry Kaned” on pot will be allowed to puff in peace.Stephan Knipp said: “It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.”If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol.”Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood.”We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.”Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that’s why we in place safety precautions on alcohol.”German cops who slapped a beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis insteadCredit: Getty More

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      German cops who slapped beer ban on England fans say they should smoke cannabis instead

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      GERMAN cops who slapped a strong beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis instead.Fears of booze-fuelled trouble at Sunday’s game against Serbia saw stadium chiefs told to serve only weak beer or shandy.German cops who slapped a beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis insteadCredit: GettyBut cannabis was legalised in Germany on April 1, and a Gelsenkirchen Police spokesman told The Sun yesterday that fans getting “Harry Kaned” on pot will be allowed to puff in peace.Stephan Knipp said: “It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.“If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol.“Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood.READ MORE WORLD NEWS“We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.“Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that’s why we in place safety precautions on alcohol.”While fans will be able to smoke dope in many public areas, it will not be allowed inside the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena, nor in fan zones, bars or city squares.And bars in “sensitive areas” of the city will stop serving booze immediately before and after the game.Most read in FootballFears of violence rose over intelligence reports suggesting 500 Putin-supporting Serbian ultras would turn up. What do cannabis plants look and smell like? More