JOLLY England fans arriving in Cologne have breathed a sigh of relief as German brewery bosses rushed extra beer supplies into the city.
Pubs and bars in Cologne faced a lager crisis after Scotland’s Tartan Army drank bars dry last week – knocking back an estimated one million pints before they crashed out of Euro 2024 on Sunday.
But brewery chief’s supplying local speciality booze Kölsch announced emergency stocks have been deployed just in time for the surging Three Lions fans ahead of Tuesdays clash with Slovenia.
The crisp and cool 4.8 per cent ale is expected to serve up a treat to fans who are hoping Gareth Southgate and his men can finish Group C in first place.
Kölsch brewery spokesman Michael Bosemann said: “We have the experience to cope – especially thanks to our beloved Cologne Carnival.
“Even if there might be individual pubs that run out of stock; the Kölsch in Cologne will not run out!”
Kölsch beer gets its name from the language spoken in Cologne which is also called Kölsch.
Some bars may still face a drinking crisis with the number of fans expected to be boozing throughout the week in the tens of thousands.
A record-breaking army of at least 50,000 Three Lions supporters began arriving in the historic city yesterday for the crunch clash with Slovenia.
Bars have been struggling to restock after 100,000 thirsty Auld Enemy drinkers drained the city when the Scots’ drew 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.
England fans are set to boost beer sales in Cologne by 50 per cent in the coming days with a whopping 25 million pints expected to be finished on Tuesday alone.
Around 16 million viewers on ITV will be cheering on the boys in white as look to shake off criticism in recent days and return to form.
ITV’s biggest ratings of the year are expected across TV and ITVX streaming while £125million will be splashed on big match food and drinks.
England’s 35,000 pubs will also be packed with two million drinkers knocking back an estimated 12 million pints in pubs with 13 million getting drunk at home.
British Beer and Pub Association spokeswoman Emma McClarkin said: “Fans know there is no better place to watch live than at the pub.”
Simon Dodds, chief executive of pub chain Young’s, said: “Trade is up due to England games and £1million-worth of business is pre-booked for upcoming games.”
It comes as boozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German restaurant in Gelsenkirchen ahead of their opening tie with Serbia.
GE Piazza was left inundated with thirsty punters who ended the opening Euros weekend downing 60 kegs of beer.
A whopping 7,500 beers were sunk in just two days as the quiet Italian restaurant quickly became the unofficial meet-up spot for fans dubbed “Little Wembley”.
Thrilled manager Umit Yavuz, 43, told the Telegraph: “This is as busy as we’ve been for a long, long time.
“Probably since the last time England played in Gelsenkirchen in 2006, but back then there were more pubs and bars in the city so this time around everyone has come here.
“I put on an England shirt to entice the supporters in. It’s always a popular move.”
By Assistant sports news editor Will Pugh
AHEAD of Tuesdays game, SunSport headed to Cologne to produce a must-read city guide for every England supporter out there – including the best places to have a beer.
STADIUM
The game will be played at the RheinEnergie Stadion – the 50,000-capacity home of FC Koln.
The arena was built for the 2006 World Cup where Joe Cole scored his iconic long-range chest-and-volley goal in a 2-2 group stage draw with Sweden.
FAN ZONE
The official fan zone is at The Heumarkt, just a short walk from the iconic 13th century Cologne Cathedral.
The square is surrounded by bars and pubs and will show every Euros match.
England’s game with Slovenia will also be shown at the riverside Tanzbrunnen public viewing zone.
WHERE TO MEET FELLOW FANS
Head to Alter Markt in Cologne as it is full of green spaces and lots of bars and pubs.
Or visit the Paffgen brewery which is tipped to be one of the best boozy spots in the city.
Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is also a good option for a slightly less rowdy crowd.
The famous Cologne Cathedral is also a guaranteed winner as it is steeped in history and renowned as one of the best buildings in Europe.
RESTAURANTS
Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.
It sells a speciality Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) which is a great try for those with adventurous taste-buds.
Max Stark is also a perfect place for peckish football fans.
