July 10th 2024.
As the highly anticipated Euro clash between England and the Netherlands approaches, hardcore footie fans in Germany are gearing up for the big event. For those who have made the journey to Dusseldorf, the question on their mind is what to do first?
Among the 40,000 supporters who have flocked to the city, some have found comfort in an authentic Yorkshire pub that has been meticulously recreated in Iserlohn, just outside of Dortmund. The pub, stripped of its original stained glass, bar stools, beer taps, and even its signage, was shipped to Germany three years ago and has become a home away from home for many England fans. And as fate would have it, it was all ready just in time for England's run for the trophy.
Tonight at 8pm BST, England will take on the Netherlands in the second semi-final of the European Championship. After last night's match between Spain and France, which saw Spain secure their place in the final, the excitement and anticipation for tonight's game is at an all-time high.
In what was dubbed the "Dash to Dortmund," British fans scrambled to book flights or plot their route on their SatNav to be a part of the action. With an estimated 40,000 already in the city, it is expected that the total number of fans could reach 80,000, all proudly wearing their Three Lions kit and cheering on Southgate's squad.
Even at Heathrow Airport, there is a designated bag drop point with a sign that reads "Come On England" for those flying to Germany for the match. And as fans continue to pour into the city, it's clear that Dortmund is draped in English flags and filled with the sounds of chanting and cheering.
But it's not just the English who have come to support their team. Dutch fans have also made their way to Dortmund, with some even traveling from their neighboring country just across the border. In Essen, fans from both teams can be seen celebrating together with their home town flags proudly displayed.
And while the number of English fans may seem massive, they will still likely be outnumbered by the Dutch. But that won't stop the passion and determination of the English fans, who are still reeling from their quarter-final win against Switzerland on penalties. It's a victory that has helped to banish the ghosts of 2021, when they lost the final to Italy on penalties.
For many of the fans who booked their tickets to Germany immediately after the quarter-final, their main goal is not necessarily to get into the stadium, but to be in Dortmund for the electric atmosphere and to be as close as possible to the historic moment if England were to bring home the trophy.
Speaking of tickets, resale prices for the match itself have reached an astonishing £17,000, a testament to the excitement and high stakes of tonight's game. And back home, millions are expected to tune in to ITV to watch the match, potentially breaking the record for the most viewers for a match aired on a single channel.
For pub landlord Paul Moss, who brought his Yorkshire pub to Dortmund in a shipping container, the atmosphere and camaraderie among fans from different countries is what makes events like this so special. He has decked out his pub with England flags and is serving up proper pints to fans, who are more than happy to make themselves at home.
"Normally, 95% of our customers are local Germans who love the idea of an English pub in their town," said Moss, "they just find it cool and cute." And to those who may still be on the fence about joining the festivities, Moss encourages them to come along, saying, "We'd love to see you, and I'm sure you'll feel quite at home."
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