In the quaint town of Blankenhain, population 6700, located in the Weimarer Land, England's "Three Lions" are setting up shop for the upcoming European Championships. The New York Times' sports portal, "The Athletic," broke the news that England has beaten Austria to claim this secluded location.
Previously, Ösi coach Ralf Rangnick, having fond memories of the tranquil, five-star spa and golf resort "Weimarer Land" from his days in Leipzig, had considered Blankenhain as his tournament base camp. With ample golf courses (totaling 45 holes), a wellness area, fitness studio, seven restaurants, 94 rooms, and two English-style, 2.3 centimeter high soccer pitches, the resort provided the perfect blend of relaxation and work for the team. Additionally, Erfurt Airport is conveniently located just half an hour away.
England's matches against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16, Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20, and Slovenia in Cologne on June 25 will be easily accessible for the team, as they'll fly to each location. However, potential visitors looking to book a room during the European Championships will likely be disappointed to discover that all rooms at the resort are already unavailable.
Coach Gareth Southgate's decision to house the team in Blankenhain was heavily influenced by the central location, seclusion, and the resort's welcoming atmosphere. In his conversations with "The Athletic," Southgate explained his desire to minimize travel and provide his players with a comfortable and cohesive environment, both during downtime and for training purposes.
England's national team's stay in Blankenhain holds historical significance, as King Charles III hails from the noble house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (Windsor since 1917). The squad's ambition to claim the title of European soccer champions will become a reality in this small yet treasured town.
The Thuringia region—and the sport-loving residents—are eagerly anticipating the team's arrival. Meanwhile, the "Three Lions" eagerly prepare for the challenges that await them in the upcoming tournament. Keep an eye out for more coverage of this unforgettable European Championship event, taking place in Blankenhain, Germany.
Sources: [1] "England's Euro 2024 Base Camp: 4 Essential Facts You Need to Know," [2] "England and Blankenhain to Host European Championships," The New York Times Sports Portal, "The Athletic".
