England players' requests to change Euro 2024 base revealed ahead of huge Serbia clash
England players have requested certain changes to their Euro 2024 training base ahead of their match with Serbia on Sunday night
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England players have requested certain changes to their Euro 2024 training base ahead of their match with Serbia on Sunday night.
The Three Lions are staying at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in Blankenhain, with the five-star resort costing around £850,000.
England fended off competition from the Netherlands and Austria to secure the luxury base, meaning they've already secured one victory without even kicking a ball.
Owner of the base, Matthias Grafe, has now opened up on special requests from England players.
England players have requested certain changes to their Euro 2024 training base ahead of their match with Serbia on Sunday night
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He said some individuals wanted air conditioning in the rooms.
And he also claims they have darkened the windows to ensure players have privacy when away from the action.
"Most questions were about the air conditioning in the rooms - probably after the experience in Qatar. We had to retrofit one room," he told Bild.
"We also ensured that English television was broadcast via satellite in the rooms.
"We also blacked out the glass fronts and windows so that the notorious yellow press couldn't take pictures of the boys.
Grafe said there will be 35 chefs available to cater for the needs of the squad.
He continued: "We have 35 chefs here who prepare everything the English want based on their menu.
"I'm sure there will be hamburgers at some point.
"The rooms of the players, coaches and support staff are also decorated with personal items.
"For example, we received family photos and other personal items in advance, which we then used to decorate the rooms."
The resort is determined to provide England players with everything they need in order for the Three Lions to stay as long as possible.
There are training pitches on the base - and Grafe says the facilities have already impressed certain members of staff.
"The English greenkeeper was with us a few weeks ago and said that there was only one lawn that was better than ours: his in Wembley," he added.
"And this is exactly the mixture that was sown, then scarified and maintained - also in consultation with the DFB, which was here beforehand."
England last travelled to Germany for a major tournament back in 2006.
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England fended off competition from the Netherlands and Austria to secure their luxury base
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The Three Lions stayed in Baden-Baden but the wives and girlfriends of players provided a huge distraction.
Rio Ferdinand said 'we became a bit of a circus' after England exited the competition following a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal.
WAGS caused significant disruption while staying in Baden-Baden due to the frequent parties that were held.
But, this summer, Gareth Southgate is keen to avoid a repeat.
Speaking back in November, the England boss insisted there wouldn't be similar disruption by saying: “Well, no. We need somewhere where we can be a little bit on our own.
England WAGS became a huge distraction at the 2006 World Cup
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“We need that nice contrast of relaxation and areas where we can work.
“You want to minimise travel where you can — but our staff are really good at picking venues the players will enjoy and feel comfortable in.
“You want somewhere where you can zone out from everything going on around you, but somewhere with facilities that are good for working.
“I wasn’t involved in the 2006 tournament in Germany so don’t know how all that was — but we have a great environment with our players.
“We want their families to enjoy the tournament too. We welcome them in at various times."