ENGLAND’s army of fans will be boosted tonight by a fanatical band of supporters – from Germany.
A generation of soccer nuts from the east of the once-divided Euros host nation supported teams which played against the old West Germany.
And many fell in love with the Three Lions in the glory days of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup – and never looked back.
East Germans now in their 60’s and 70’s – as well as their children and grandchildren – told yesterday how they will gather to roar on Gareth Southgate’s stars tonight.
Reinhard Lisker, 66, and his wife, son and grandson was among dozens of Germans wearing England shirts as they turned out to watch Southgate train in Jena.
He said: “As a boy growing up under communism I supported teams which played against West Germany.
“So I became an England fan the day they won the World Cup in 1966.
“I’m proud to wear my England shirt today alongside my family who all support Gareth Southgate’s team, and it’s a thrill to see them in my home town.”
The grandad is among dozens of England superfans who live close to England’s trainingbase in Blankenhein in the old east.
German England fan Stephan Kühl, 64, is even know as Keegan for once sporting the same permed hairdo as his 70’s Three lion hero Kevin.
Stephan said: “I sing ‘England ‘til I die’ when I watch games live.”
His 50-year-old pal Stefan Meissner – known as “Gunner” thanks to his love of Arsenal and England – is also a member of the Eagles fan club which also backs German club Carl Zeiss Jena.
Gunner said: “For most people here it was not natural to see your home country as your country, or something you would be proud of.
“But to me the West Germans were arrogant and I didn’t like their style of football.
“I totally fell in love with the way England played – toughness, the fighting spirit, but also their kind of gentleman’s attitude.
“When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and there was German reunification, one of my first trips was to England. I saw Arsenal playing for the first time.”
Keegan is backing England but begged Southgate to fire-up his stars yesterday.
“I hope they win but they’re very boring – too much defence.
“But if England plays against Germany, it’s even more important to me that England wins.”
