Euro 2012 training base gets a new look
Published: Today at 00:16
ENGLAND soccer stars will be chaired up, sorry, cheered up when they see their Euro 2012 training base today — it’s been kitted out with Ikea furniture.
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There had been fears that poor facilities at fourth division Polish club Hutnik FC would mean curtains for our trophy hopes.
But now the tables have been turned with a range of bargain buys from the Swedish chain.
A collection of £9.27 “Dudero” lamps, £11.99 “Dudero” floor lamps and £3.70 “Lack” tables add to a smart, contemporary feel.
Players can relax on two-seater £175 wipe-clean “Klippan” sofas in “Skinnarp White” while the lobby area has two £72 “Klubbo” coffee tables.
Roy Hodgson’s squad has been hit by the withdrawal of injured Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and Gary Cahill. And the choice of Hutnik in the Nowa Huta district of Krakow looked like it could make matters even worse.
The Sun revealed the ground was non-League standard at best just six months ago, while tournament rivals Holland had secured premier league side Wisla Kracow’s modern stadium.
But £135,000 of gutting and rebuilding work paid for by the city and a similar amount spent on the pitch by the FA has kept the Three Lions in with a chance.
Krakow deputy mayor Magdalena Sroka said: “The facilities meet the technical standards agreed with the English association.”
A Three Lions source concurred: “The Poles have done a terrific job transforming a tired fourth division changing block into a base fit for the England team.
“There are more expensive items in the block but the touches of Ikea style around are unmistakeable.
“A pair of lamps in the first floor rest area are the biggest giveaway. It’s a cool contemporary look which I’m sure the players will be comfortable with.”
An FA spokesman confirmed: “A first-rate facility has been delivered by our Polish hosts and we’re looking forward to working in Krakow.”
The squad is due to arrive today and will check in at the five-star The Hotel Starry next to Krakow’s main square. Training at the Hutnik stadium starts tomorrow.
England’s first match — against France on Monday — is a two-hour flight away in Donetsk in the Ukraine.
Dancing Joe No1
JOE Hart believes he is England’s No 1 dancer after Peter Crouch failed to make Euro 2012.
The Man City keeper, 25, took on Crouch in a dance-off at a charity event earlier this year.
And a video of him dancing was an internet hit in 2008.
He said: “With Crouchie not being there I’ll definitely be the best dancer in the squad.”
Hart has been given a special console case featuring EA Sports UEFA Euro 2012, the official video game of the tournament.
He said: “I enjoy my gaming but I’m not the best in the squad.”
- EA Sports UEFA Euro 2012 is available to download on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
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