BBC pundits were left baffled by a Euro stadium’s bizarre feature with one Premier League icon calling it “a bit of fun.”
Some of Germany’s top arenas have been in action for this summer’s tournament, treating supporters to a host of epic days out.
From Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena to Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalensatdion, Germany’s stadiums have been extremely impressive venues for fans and players alike.
But one arena still caught pundits off-guard with a novel addition.
At half-time of Holland’s 3-2 draw with Austria, an inside camera picked up the moment players used an escalator to reach the pitch from the changing room.
The most footballers usually have to do is scale some stairs.
And the incredible addition of an escalator left BBC’s pundits stunned.
Presenter Gabby Logan kicked things off as she exclaimed: “The teams are heading out to the pitch via escalator.
“That’s obviously something you’re used to, Thomas.”
Pundit Thomas Hitzlesperger, who played for Germany and Everton, said: “Yeah I was. It’s quite a fun bit of the stadium.”
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Logan then asked former Scotland star James McFadden: “Most unusual way you’ve seen players enter the pitch?”
He answered: “Yeah I’ve never seen that before. I would’ve used it.”
Fans certainly enjoyed the escalator in the stadium.
One said: “Why is there an escalator there?”
Another declared: “Always forget about the escalator lol.”
One noted: “I’ll never get used to this brilliantly unnecessary escalator.”
Another added: “The escalator is a joy.”
ENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.
England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.
SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.
Kieran Trippier – 6
The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.
Marc Guehi – 7
Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.
John Stones – 6
One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.
Kyle Walker – 5
Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.
Conor Gallagher – 4
Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.
Declan Rice – 7
Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.
Phil Foden – 7
Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.
Harry Kane – 6
Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7
Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.
Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7
Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6
Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.
Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6
Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.
