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England's Euro 2024 opponents set for last-minute training ground change

13 June 2024 , 11:49
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The last-minute change is far from ideal for the Three Lions
The last-minute change is far from ideal for the Three Lions' foes

UEFA chiefs are ready to step in and find a NEW training ground for England’s group opponents Denmark.

SunSport reported on concerns about the condition of the newly-relaid pitch at the Danes’ base in Freudenstadt, near Baden-Baden in the south west of Germany.

Denmark arrived in Germany for Euro 2024 on Monday eiqrridddidzuprw
Denmark arrived in Germany for Euro 2024 on MondayCredit: AFP
The Danes were left furious at the condition of the pitch at their training base
The Danes were left furious at the condition of the pitch at their training baseCredit: EPA
Uefa are working hard to find the 1992 tournament winners a new training base
Uefa are working hard to find the 1992 tournament winners a new training baseCredit: AP

A last-minute change saw ground staff rip up huge swathes of the new surface - only put down on June 2 - at the beginning of the week, with Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmund and his players unhappy at the state of play.

Now Uefa has admitted it is preparing to identify a second option nearby.

A Uefa spokesman said: “We are coordinating with the Danish FA on alternative options in the event that a solution is required for a new training facility.

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“Uefa wishes to confirm its commitment to provide first-class services and facilities to Denmark and to all teams participating in the Euro 2024 finals.”

Denmark start their campaign against Slovenia in Stuttgart on Sunday before returning to Freudenstadt ahead of their clash with England in Frankfurt next Thursday.

The conditions of the training ground surface have caused growing concerns and suggestions it has already impacted on preparation for Denmark’s opening game.

But Hjulmund and national team director Christian Norkjaer are attempting to take the heat out of the situation.

Norkjaer said: “Fortunately, our training ground is improving.

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“We had a really good training session on that Wednesday and there are therefore no plans to train elsewhere right now.”

He added: “We feel good here in Freudenstadt, the atmosphere in the squad is really good.

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"And we are using all our energy to get ready and prepare for the exciting opening match on Sunday.

“We would like to focus solely on the match against Slovenia now, so we have no further to say about the pitch.

Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on benchGuardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench

“However, I will report if anything changes about the training pitch.”

Martin Lipton

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