High Expectations from Football Enthusiasts
Prior to England’s inaugural Euro 2024 match, soccer fans are brimming with optimism, with nearly half expressing their belief that Gareth Southgate’s team will reach the semi-finals. The upcoming fixture will see England facing off against Serbia in the first of their three group stage encounters on Sunday, followed by matches against Slovenia and Denmark in the subsequent week.
According to a YouGov-Sky News poll conducted, 47% of football supporters are confident about England’s journey to at least the semi-finals, with 12% outright backing them to emerge as champions. Meanwhile, 6% foresee England reaching the final only to finish as runners-up, and 29% anticipate their exit in the semi-finals. A mere 3% foresee England’s elimination in the group stages, with 33% predicting a quarter-final departure for the team.
The poll involved a sample of 2,111 adults surveyed on the 10th and 11th of June.
Security Preparations in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Preparations are in full swing in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, where England is set to take on Serbia in a match labeled as “high risk” by law enforcement. The police have expressed concerns about the clash due to past incidents related to hooliganism on both sides. Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt mentioned, “Serbia has a history of hooliganism,” adding, “The English supporters, particularly under the influence of alcohol, can display aggressive behavior. Therefore, extensive preparations are underway to ensure a safe environment during the match.”
The UK authorities have been actively sharing intelligence and are mobilizing their largest police deployment since 2016 for the event. Enhanced security measures include the provision of low-alcohol beverages to fans and a ban on consuming alcohol in the stands.
Additional Updates from Sky News
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Royal Support and Team News
The England squad departed for Germany on Monday amid a visit from Prince William, who shared advice for the team received from his youngest son, Prince Louis. Leading up to the tournament, England faced a 1-0 defeat by Iceland in their final warm-up friendly, resulting in the exclusion of players like Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Harry Maguire from the final squad.
