England have been the subject of plenty of criticism following their opening three matches of Euro 2024, though it appears that they certainly have the facilities to block out the noise.
Despite topping Group C and remaining unbeaten, the Three Lions have received plenty of backlash for their underwhelming performances – with several ex-players taking aim at individuals and the team as a collective.
England will be hoping to silence their doubters on Sunday when they take on Slovakia in the round of 16, and Gareth Southgate will be keen to ensure the mood in his camp remains positive.
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According to the iPaper, the FA worked tirelessly in the run-up to Euro 2024 to create a base that would ensure that players were able to ‘block out the noise’ and not be distracted by the expectations outside of the team.
The squad are based at Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort, which was selected by Southgate as he does not want his players to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the host nation.
England are therefore staying further away than any of the other 10 stadiums in Germany, and the team returns to the facilities after every match – regardless of when each respective game ends and where it is taking place.
The camp has been filled to the brim with different activities to ensure that there is a high chance that players are distracted by the present moment rather than scrolling through their phones and being at risk of seeing criticism.
A Lego set to build Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter was placed in one room and has gradually started to take place despite initial confusion, whilst Uno remains a popular pastime and games often take place in Declan Rice’s bedroom in the evenings.
The resort also has a golf course, golf simulator, basketball court and padel courts to ensure that players are able to engage in other sports whilst away on international duty. Bikes are also available, with Newcastle star Anthony Gordon taking a tumble from one earlier this week.
The extensive spa facilities have also been popular among the squad, with the sauna and ice baths bringing out the competitiveness within the individuals – with players trying to outlast each other in the various elements of the facilities.
Southgate has urged his players to also consider their phone usage whilst away, though he has refused to ban them and ‘treat players like children’. Instead, the tremendous facilities available has given stars a reason not to get caught up in their devices.
