England did the double today as two of our football aces had their birthdays at the Euros.
And on Sunday, Jude Bellingham, now 21, and Eberechi Eze, who turned 26, will be hoping for a belated present – a victory against Slovakia in our first knockout game. The Three Lions squad put in a team performance just before training to roar out a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to the players.
Spirits were high despite England’s faltering start to the tournament in Germany. But there will be no champagne until after the Euros. A source said: “The whole squad gathered around at the camp in Erfurt and sang to them and it was a really nice moment for them all to share together. The players, coaches and staff all joined in. It was a nice occasion to bring them together when they are facing criticism from outside. There are no big celebrations today because of the strict training protocol.
“But they have joked they will be arranging a night out after the tournament – but that it might get overshadowed by celebrations if we go all the way.”
Both Real Madrid maestro Bellingham and Crystal Palace ace Eze were wished many happy returns. But as it was a special birthday for Jude, England HQ was decorated with photos of him as a kid.
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Jobe and Jude Bellingham (right) are pictured alongside each other as children in a cute snap (jobebellingham/Instagram)The midfielder was presented with a team photo with handwritten messages from all the players as well as video greetings from stars who didn’t make the squad this time, like manchester-united-fc>Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
Meanwhile, Jude’s younger brother, 18-year-old Sunderland ace Jobe, celebrated by posting pictures of the pair growing up together. But the team was soon back to work. England Captain Harry Kane looked deep in concentration during training. And defenders Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa looked ready to do battle, as they had a playfight.
The Bellingham brothers, Jobe and Jude (right), have maintained a close bond (Jobe Bellingham Instagram)
Gareth Southgate has big decisions to make on his team selection (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)The Three Lions, led by manager Gareth Southgate, later flew to Gelsenkirchen for today’s match. In a stroke of luck, forecasters said the crucial game will be played in “typical” British weather.
Temperatures in the German city have recently hit highs of 32C, but will on Sunday reach just 19C. And it is expected to rain all day. In more good news, UEFA has said the roof will stay on the stadium.
Kyle Walker has a playfight with Ezri Konsa during training (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)When England drew 1-1 with Denmark in Frankfurt last week, the pitch cut up badly after the roof at Deutsche Bank Park was closed. An estimated 19m ITV viewers are expected to cheer on England in the highest TV ratings of the year today.
Up to 32m pints of beer will be supped across the nation – 15m in pubs and 17m more at home. But many casual footie viewers have abandoned the struggling team and some big screen events for fans in England have not yet sold out.
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