Thousands of England fans are traveling to Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to support the national team in their first Euro 2024 match against Serbia, which takes place on Sunday. Gareth Southgate's squad is preparing for the tournament, with around 40,000 supporters expected to reach the city in the coming days.
Fans have been arriving by various means, including planes, trains, and ferries, and have been seen celebrating throughout Germany, particularly in locations like Dusseldorf and Essen. Anthems and festivities have characterized their journey, with fans donning St George’s flags and enjoying local beverages.
Significant numbers of supporters are also gathering in fan zones, such as Kennedyplatz in Essen, where a big screen has been set up. The anticipation has prompted supermarkets like Tesco to stock up on millions of beer packs, cider, and snacks to meet demand.
The match marks a major event for England fans, with many also reflecting on past tournaments and expressing hope for success. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford highlighted the team's goal of lifting the European Championship trophy.
As the tournament proceeds, concerns have been raised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council about potential increases in domestic violence incidents based on historical data from past football events.
Among the notable players, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid is seen as a key figure in England's lineup, with his stellar club performance raising hopes for the national team's success in the tournament.