EAGER England supporters have hit the pubs early to cheer on the Three Lions in tonight’s crunch Euros clash against Slovenia.
Dedicated fans are roaring their support for the team ahead of the 8pm kick-off in Cologne for their final group game.
MirrorpixEngland fans are already flocking to pubs in Germany[/caption]
PAA lad kicks a ball around Cologne’s Old Market as Three Lions fans descend on the city[/caption]
Jeremy SelwynThe beers are already flowing as supporters soak up the atmosphere[/caption]
Jeremy SelwynA fan in a ripped air steward outfit enjoys a beer today[/caption]
Jeremy SelwynThe sunny weather has attracted fans to the city’s bars and pubs[/caption]
PAThe Old Market has been turned into a sea of red and white[/caption]
Jeremy SelwynThese supporters get on the beers early[/caption]
Around 50,000 fans began arriving in Cologne yesterday with more expected to file in for tonight’s key game.
And the thirsty supporters will be thrilled to learn Germany has rushed in extra beer for them after Scotland drank the city dry.
Fans have already turned Cologne into a sea of red and white as they pose up in flags against the city’s dramatic cathedral.
Back at home, around 16million people are planning to tune in to ITV to show their support from their living rooms.
A staggering 12million pints will also be sunk in England‘s pubs as temperatures soar to 28C.
Bosses have already been told to brace for a wave of workers calling in sick tomorrow.
England have already secured a place in the last-16 thanks to Spain‘s 1-0 win over Albania yesterday.
But tonight’s game is still an important one as the Three Lions will lose their much-needed top spot if they lose.
A win for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England and take first place thanks to their decent form in the tournament so far.
They have not lost either of their opening two matches despite being ranked underdogs in the group.
Even a draw would not necessarily be enough for England as Denmark beating Serbia would leave us equal on points.
In that case, the winner of Group C will go down to goal difference – meaning Gareth Southgate‘s men will need a high-scoring game.
If we go through second, a harder path awaits, with England forced to face old rivals Germany for a place in the quarter-finals.
But a first-place spot guarantees a match against one of the best third-places sides from Group D, E or F.
They are Austria, Slovakia and Czech Republic as it stands.
A dreaded slump into third means England face the winners of Group E or F, which are Romania and Portugal with one game to go.
All eyes will now be on Southgate, who has so far faced criticism for his team’s lacklustre opening two games.
He is reportedly planning to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose midfield “experiment” has failed to take off.
Jeremy SelwynTwo fans pose up ahead of the crunch 8pm match[/caption]
PAEngland will need to win their group to avoid meeting Germany next[/caption]
PAFans fly the flag against the dramatic backdrop of Cologne Cathedral[/caption]
Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is likely to come into the England starting XI in his place ahead of other options such as Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.
Elsewhere, Luke Shaw is back in training and debate over Phil Foden‘s form in the competition is raging on.
The manager pulled no punches in his post-match assessment of England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark last week.
He said: “We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession too cheaply and when you do those two things it’s hard to have control in the game.
“It led to an anxious performance the longer we game went on and we understand that that’s got to be better if we want to progress to the stages of the tournament that everybody’s expecting and delivering what we need to deliver.”
Three Lions skipper Harry Kane also admitted England “haven’t been good enough” following the disappointing draw.
He said: “We’re struggling with and without the ball. The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right.
“We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
“Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.
“We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home. But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.”
England have faced criticism over their lacklustre performance
Harry Kane admitted England “haven’t been good enough”