ON the day that England take on Denmark in Euro 2024, fans were rewarded with a behind-the-scenes look at the nation’s media camp.
As BBC Sport reporter Kelly Somers took Instagram users around a quick-fire tour of England’s journalistic base in Blankenhain, Germany.
A sneak peek at England’s operations was posted on Thursday, and gave an inside look at how reporters interact with England players and staff.
The centre is in Blankenhain Castle – a historic 12th Century fortress where some selected England stars are brought everyday for media obligations.
The player base is only a few miles away at the five-star Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in old East Germany.
Everyday three- to- four players are nominated to undertake press duties – and it was England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who was put up to the task this time.
At one point is shows Pickford throwing darts with reporters, as defenders John Stones and Kieran Trippier amusingly watched on.
Somers explained: “The England base is essentially a castle that we get to work in.”
“There are different zones for different parts of the media.”
The BBC journalist then takes fans around the press conference zone, a private interview room and the reporters games room.
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Somers even had time to show a quick glimpse from her interview with boss Gareth Southgate before England beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday.
Fans on social media were quick to praise Somers’ behind-the-scenes video.
One wrote: “Brilliant. It’s nice to see inside England’s hotel. The players are so good with the media.”
Another said: “Thanks for sharing an insight of what goes on.”
Meanwhile, England will seal their place in the knockout stages with a win over the Danes in Frankfurt on Thursday June 20.
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
