England’s German hosts have warmly welcomed them, but some locals are rooting for the visitors’ defeat.
England has exclusive access to the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort, which cost them approximately £800,000. However, members of the plush resort can still play on one of the 18-hole courses, except for the two holes closest to the training pitches, which are off-limits. The club shop and bar are also inaccessible, but a stable has been converted into a temporary shop and watering hole.
One insider joked, “The members are eager for England to be eliminated so they can reclaim their two holes and bar.”
England has paid for exclusive use of the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort during Euro 2024.
Members can still enjoy one of the 18-hole courses, but two holes and the bar are off-limits.
One insider joked that locals are eager for England’s early exit to reclaim their golf course.
A member of the traveling press corps becomes a hero
A member of the traveling press pack has become a hero after saving not one but two lives within 24 hours.
Trams in Erfurt’s city center are known as silent assassins due to their quietness and numerous near misses. Earlier this week, The Sun’s Dave Kidd was walking through the town square with a colleague when he noticed a tram approaching. His colleague was on the phone and unaware of the impending danger. Kidd quickly and loudly raised the alarm, preventing a potential tragedy.
The next day, Kidd noticed an elderly person who had tripped and fallen onto the tram tracks. He jumped in front of the incoming tram and held out his hand, forcing it to stop abruptly and saving the person’s life once again.
On Saturday, an 18-year-old riding a scooter was struck near the train station and taken to the hospital.
A member of the traveling press pack has become a hero after saving two lives in Erfurt’s city center by preventing individuals from being hit by trams.
Germany celebrates with kebabs
While England’s players are treated to high-quality, nutritious meals prepared by a Michelin-star chef at their training base, Germany took a different approach to celebrating their victory over Hungary on Wednesday, which secured their spot in the knockout stage.
Julian Nagelsmann’s players were treated to doner kebabs, a popular dish in Germany due to the country’s large Turkish population of 1.54 million. Takeout restaurants serving this dish are a common sight in German cities.
Germany celebrated their progression to the knockout stage by enjoying doner kebabs.
Qatari involvement in Euro 2024 flies under the radar
Qatar, one of the main sponsors of Euro 2024, has managed to keep a low profile during the tournament.
Qatar Airways is the official airline partner, and “Visit Qatar” is prominently displayed on media boards. However, this sponsorship has attracted little criticism compared to the uproar when the Gulf nation, which criminalizes the LGBTQ+ community, hosted the World Cup two years ago.
Germany was at the forefront of the protests during the World Cup, with their players covering their mouths before the match against Japan to protest FIFA’s ban on the “One Love” armband.
Qatar Airways is the official airline partner of Euro 2024, and “Visit Qatar” is featured on media boards.
Heartbreaking poverty levels across Germany
Poverty has been a stark reality in several German cities, with locals waiting at tram stations near stadiums with bin bags, ready to collect empty beverage cans from departing fans. These cans are then presumably taken to recycling plants, where they are exchanged for a few euros.
Albanian star in hot water
Mirlind Daku, the Albania striker, is in hot water with his club after receiving a two-match ban from UEFA for leading chants of “f*** Macedonia and f*** Serbs” with a megaphone following his country’s 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg on Wednesday.
Daku’s club, Rubin Kazan, has announced disciplinary and economic sanctions against the 26-year-old player, who has apologized for his actions. The club also stated that an “informative discussion” would be held with Daku to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Albania and Rubin Kazan striker Mirlind Daku is facing consequences for leading explicit chants against Macedonia and Serbs after Albania’s draw with Croatia.
Howe settling down in the North East
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, has demonstrated his commitment to the area by applying for planning permission to build a gym and garage extension at his four-bedroom home in leafy Northumberland.
The 46-year-old, who is from the south coast and has been linked to the England job, has relocated his family to the North East and purchased a £3.2 million home, which includes a cinema, family room, and dressing room.
Howe’s desire to build a covered walkway link as part of the extension suggests he is mindful of the region’s unpredictable weather.
Eddie Howe has applied for planning permission to build a gym and garage extension at his Northumberland home, indicating his long-term commitment to Newcastle.