'We're not afraid!' German city reveals what's in store for 40k English heading to Euros

The German city of Gelsenkirchen is preparing for an incredible 40,000 England fans to travel to the Euro 2024 game versus Serbia next Sunday.

Officials from the North West industrial hub, whose Arena AufSchalke hosts the Three Lions’ opening game, told the Express it was expecting the English to outnumber Serbians by more than four to one.

As only 15,000 tickets had been allocated for the clash the vast majority will not be in the stadium, but the city has made extensive preparations to ensure everyone can still enjoy the atmosphere.

Keen to avoid any trouble between rival supporters, Julius Leberl, who is leading the local government planning efforts, explained the city will funnel fans into two different zones to avoid them mixing pregame.

A 40,000-capacity racecourse with fast transport to the stadium has been specially opened to accommodate followers of the Three Lions throughout the day and will show the game on large screens.

Leberl accepted that, as it was an evening kick-off and a scorching weather forecast, there was the potential for supporters to indulge in heavy drinking before the football started.

“There will be some guys who drink too much beer,” he added, “[But] it's like every party, you always have two guys who drink too much. I think we can handle this because we have great experiences with international football games.

“[Local team] Schalke 04 is a traditional football club with a big history. They play a lot of matches against Borussia Dortmund [where there is a fierce rivalry] so the police know what to do.”

The last time England visited Gelsenkirchen for a major tournament was the 2006 World Cup game against Portugal.

It was a day marred by violence with 120 England football fans arrested following clashes with police after the team succumbed to a 3-1 penalty defeat.

However, Leberl insisted there was no trepidation amongst locals about a repeat of the scenes on its streets nearly two decades ago.

“We are not afraid of English fans it’s [the opposite] we don't have bad experiences we have a great party with you.

“I think everybody is really looking forward to have [the English] here in our city.”

Leberl revealed that he had met England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of the tournament who he described as a “handsome man.”

He revealed the England manager told him of fond memories from his last visit as a co-commentator for ITV during the World Cup 2006 campaign.

“He was very pleased about coming back to Germany,” Leberl added, “he could remember good times in Gelsenkirchen.”

Ahead of the competition kicking off, England fans have come under fire for singing a song referencing World War Two and German bombers.

Footage from a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina showed supporters chanting the tune, which is banned by the Football Association.

In response, the German ambassador to Britain called for travelling fans to enjoy the competition in the “spirit of friendship.”