England fans’ must-read guide to Cologne as Three Lions gear up for crucial Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia
ENGLAND fans are heading to Cologne in their tens of thousands to cheer on the Three Lions against Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s men can secure top spot in Group C with a win – but will want to improve on their performances against Serbia and Denmark.
And ahead of the 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.
And die-hard FC Koln fans Danny Voss, Maurits van Keulen and Cologne-based English journalist Matt Ford gave us the low down on their beloved city and where travelling Three Lions supporters should be heading.
Stadium
SunSport says: 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
SunSport says: 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.
Best place for England fans to gather
Matt says: “Head to Alter Markt.
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“The market square in the centre of the old town is in the shadow of the cathedral, full of nice green spaces with lots of bars and pubs. England fans will definitely be happy there.”
Best pubs for England fans in Cologne
Danny says: “There are lots of different Kölsch beers in Cologne and Brauhaus Paffgen is the best so head to the Paffgen brewery in the centre of town.”
Maurits says: “Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is in the old town but is smaller and not as crowded.”
Best restaurants for England fans in Cologne
Matt says: “Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.
“It doesn’t look the best from the outside but once you get inside a good Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) will sort you out.”
Maurits says: “Max Stark is perfect for football fans.”
Must drink German beer
Matt says: “Every Kolsch is 4.8 per cent and they all traditionally get served in 0.2 litre glasses.
“But don’t underestimate it because, trust me, within an hour you will have forgotten how many you’ve had and that’s when things start to get very dangerous!”
Must eat German food
Matt says: “Mettbrotchen is mashed raw meat spread on a bread roll and dipped in onions.”
Maurits says: “Frikadelle is sliced meat, like a hamburger made of meatballs.”
Must visit tourist attraction
Matt says: “Definitely head to Cologne Cathedral.
“You can see the two spires on top of the 13th-century Kölner Dom from miles away. It’s the symbol of the city and the place to go.”
Mautits says: “Take a boat trip along the river. And if you’re here with children, go to the zoo, it’s one of Europe’s best.”
Fun Cologne fact
Danny says: “You can drink and speak Kolsch.
“The official Cologne language and the beer made here are called Kolsch.
“People also think carnival is from Brazil but it is from Cologne which has massive parades and street parties twice a year.”
Jack Wilshere: Southgate must be brave with Rice
By Jack Wilshere
GARETH SOUTHGATE should be brave and play Declan Rice as our sole holding midfielder.
But if England manager Southgate doesn’t want to do that — and he probably doesn’t — then he needs to give Rice the chance to play more like he does for Arsenal.
Let’s be absolutely clear here. Rice was so important for us again during that first half against Denmark.
The fact that he had a difficult second 45 minutes showed how much England were struggling.
Rice himself would hold his hands up and say he gave away the ball too often.
But what I took overall from his performance is that he needs more help in the engine room.
Read here how Jack Wilshere would resolve the Declan Rice dilemma.