EAGER England fans arrived at the pubs early to cheer on the Three Lions in tonight’s crunch clash against Slovenia.
Dedicated fans are shouting their support for the team before the 8pm kick-off in Cologne for the final group stage game.
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Around 50,000 fans began arriving in Cologne yesterday and more people are expected to turn up for tonight’s main game.
And thirsty fans will be thrilled to learn Germany hurried to bring them extra beer after Scotland drank the city dry.
At home, around 16 million people plan to tune in to ITV to show their support from their living rooms.
A staggering 12 million liters will also be consumed in England’s pubs as temperatures rise to 28C.
Bosses have already been told to prepare 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 victory over Albania yesterday.
But tonight’s game is still important as the Three Lions will lose their much-needed top spot if they lose.
A victory for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England into first place thanks to their good form in the tournament so far.
They did not lose either of their first two matches despite being considered underdogs in the group.
Even a draw wouldn’t necessarily be enough for England, as Denmark beating Serbia would leave us level on points.
In that case, the winner of Group C will be down to goal difference – meaning Gareth Southgate’s men will need a high-scoring game.
If we come second, a more difficult path awaits us, with England forced to face old rivals Germany for a place in the quarter-finals.
But first place guarantees a match against one of the best third-placed teams in Group D, E or F.
They are Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic as they stand.
The feared drop to third place means England will face the winners of Group E or F, who 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 lackluster opening two games.
He is planning to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose midfield “experiment” has failed to take off.
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Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is likely to enter England’s starting XI in his place, ahead of other options such as Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.
Elsewhere, Luke Shaw is back in training and the debate over Phil Foden’s competition form continues.
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 very cheaply and when you do those two things it’s difficult to have control of the game.
“This led to an eager performance as the game progressed and we understand that this has to be better if we are to progress to the stages of the tournament that everyone is hoping for and deliver what we need to deliver.”
Three Lions captain Harry Kane also admitted England were “not good enough” after the disappointing draw.
He said: “We are struggling with and without the ball. The pressure in both games hasn’t been very good.
“We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).
“Everyone is falling a little below their level, in terms of ball retention, playing under pressure.
“We know there will be some noise and disappointment at home. But it’s time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
