
How do you like the sound of a four week stay in a luxury German hotel with all expenses paid? Well, that’s what’s in store for the players from the 24 competing nations at Euro 2024. And with the start of the tournament almost here, many of the squads have already arrived at their lavish Euro 2024 training bases.
England has opted for a five star complex near the city of Erfurt (WAGs not included), whilst Scotland are setting up camp near the foot of Germany’s highest mountain. Here’s a close look at those two Euro 2024 training bases, plus details of how UEFA’s sustainability drive will help the Euro 2024 teams prepare for their games.
When choosing Euro 2024 training bases for their teams, coaches and federations weigh up a number of key factors. Here are three of the most important:
It goes without saying that players want to avoid long, draining journeys ahead of big games. As such, most teams look for training bases that minimise their gameday travel, allowing players to arrive at games feeling fresh and energised. It also reduces the risk of any travel disruptions impacting arrival times or the driver’s sat nav sending them up a mountain.
Federations have left no stone unturned in finding Euro 2024 bases that have world class training pitches and equipment. Everything from the playing surfaces to the size of the pitches is considered when teams pick their training camps. It is also important for the players to have a fully equipped gym, plus at least one swimming pool and spa facilities. In short, the players need to be able to reach and maintain peak physical condition ahead of their games. It’s tough at the top!
Of course, it’s impossible to train all day, every day. Therefore, it is vital that Euro 2024 training bases also have excellent options for players to enjoy their downtime. Whether it’s the bedrooms, the restaurants or the leisure facilities, it is imperative that teams can maximise their downtime and feel fully refreshed ahead of matches.
Most Euro 2024 betting sites have England as favourites to win the tournament, and their Euro 2024 training base will certainly help them perform at their peak. England boss Gareth Southgate has always placed a huge emphasis on finding the best possible training bases for his squad. For the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, England stayed in luxury basecamps, complete with world class training facilities and plenty of opportunities to unwind.
This time around, the England squad will be staying at the Golfresort Weimarer complex, located about 30 minutes from the central German city of Erfurt. The resort boasts state of the art training pitches, two huge indoor swimming pools (inflatable unicorns optional), a five star fitness centre and seven restaurants. To help make the players feel at home, the FA have even provided them with the same bed linen and bathroom fragrances they use at their St George’s Park training base in England. Another benefit of the location is that it minimises their gameday travel - all three group game venues (Gelsenkirchen, Frankfurt and Cologne) are within easy reach.
Whilst England are tipped for success in Germany, not many people are using their bookmaker bonuses for Euro 2024 to back Scotland. Nevertheless, the Scottish FA have given the squad the best chance of success by providing them with a five-star luxury training base. The squad will be staying in Bavaria, at the famous Hotel Obermuehle, which is located near the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. The complex is renowned for its cuisine and the average price for a night’s stay is around 300 Euros.
The players will also be able to enjoy top of the range training facilities and a fully equipped gymnasium. When it comes to relaxing, they will be able to enjoy stunning mountain views from their balconies and private spa treatments. However, one possible cause of concern is that whilst the resort is conveniently located for Scotland’s first and third group games, the June 19th clash with Switzerland in Cologne will require a 400-mile trip, hardly ideal preparation for what looks like being a pivotal fixture.
I’ll do my best to keep this part snappy, because it isn’t the most exciting information, but it is relevant to the way the 2024 edition of the Euros will pan out. Basically UEFA have made a big sustainability commitment ahead of Euro 2024. Part of this commitment involves organising the match venues and fixtures in regional clusters, thus significantly reducing the amount of travel undertaken by squads and supporters alike.
Most importantly, it will reduce air travel by 75% compared to Euro 2016. As well as helping the environment, this commitment will also help squads prepare for games by reducing their travel times. With that in mind, the majority of nations have opted for Euro 2024 training bases conveniently located for their group games.
Host nation Germany will be based in the small Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, just two hours from the Munich Football Arena, the venue for their opening match. Meanwhile, defending champions Italy will be staying in Iserlohn in North-Rhine Westphalia and the highly fancied French squad will be based nearby, in the city of Paderborn. In essence, it’s a win-win situation, the environmentalists are over the moon, and us footie fans get to see chilled out players, rather than travel-weary wrecks.
It’s fair to say that England’s choice of Euro 2024 training base will ensure they avoid any of the Baden Baden antics that created a lot of negative (but highly entertaining) headlines in 2006. Meanwhile, Scotland will be hoping that their incredible mountain views aren’t the only highlights of their trip to Germany!
Of course, having the perfect Euro 2024 training base does not guarantee tournament success. But one thing is for certain, England and Scotland will both be staying in training camps that give them a taste of luxury, with facilities designed to bring them the best possible chance of glory. No excuses lads!
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