Rio Ferdinand joins Three Lions fans ahead of England’s game tonight
Rio Ferdinand is enjoying his day off by mingling with Three Lions fans in Dusseldorf ahead of England’s pivotal last-16 clash with Slovakia at Euro 2024. With the match airing on ITV, the BBC pundit took the opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic supporters on Sunday lunchtime, soaking in the lively atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated knockout game.
The former England and Manchester United defender documented the occasion by filming himself with a pint in hand, surrounded by fans singing and cheering on a sunny afternoon in Dusseldorf. He captioned the video posted on social media: ‘ENGLAND taking over Dusseldorf… love it!’ Ferdinand enthusiastically joined in the chants, exuding excitement and optimism ahead of a crucial night for Gareth Southgate and his squad.
Rio Ferdinand joined England fans for a lively afternoon in Dusseldorf during his downtime
Gareth Southgate’s England face Slovakia in the last-16 of Euro 2024
England seek an improved performance to secure a quarter-final spot
England’s journey through the group stages was less than impressive, despite their position at the top of their group. They scraped past Serbia with a solitary goal and were forced to settle for draws against Denmark and Slovenia. Nonetheless, they find themselves on the more favorable side of the draw, steering clear of formidable opponents like Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France.
Ferdinand has been vocal about his disappointment with England’s performances thus far, yet he maintains his belief in their potential to go all the way. Following the team’s goalless draw with Slovenia, he boldly asserted that England would turn their fortunes around and emerge as Euro champions if Southgate opted to start Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon for the remainder of the tournament.
While it is unlikely that Southgate will fully heed Ferdinand’s suggestion, the England manager is expected to include Mainoo in the starting lineup for tonight’s crucial match. Southgate is set to maintain his faith in Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, leaving Palmer and Gordon awaiting their opportunity to shine from the bench.
Despite the team news, Ferdinand remained in high spirits as he relished the pre-match excitement on Sunday lunchtime. A victory for England tonight would secure their place against Switzerland in the quarter-finals next Saturday, following Switzerland’s impressive elimination of defending champions Italy.
Rio Ferdinand, a BBC pundit, seized the opportunity of a day off to join enthusiastic Three Lions fans in Dusseldorf ahead of England’s pivotal last-16 match against Slovakia at Euro 2024. As the game was set to air on ITV, Ferdinand immersed himself in the lively atmosphere, filming himself with a pint in hand among singing and cheering supporters on a sunny Sunday lunchtime. He captioned the social media post: ‘ENGLAND taking over Dusseldorf… love it!’ exuding excitement and optimism ahead of a crucial night for Gareth Southgate’s squad.