The England football team made headlines with their unconventional choice of accommodation during Euro 2024, opting for a surprisingly modest hotel that left many fans and pundits scratching their heads.
The Blankenhain Base That Defied Expectations
While most top international teams select luxury five-star resorts with state-of-the-art facilities, Gareth Southgate's squad settled into the Golfresort Weimarer Land in Blankenhain, Germany. This three-star establishment became the unexpected home for England's elite players including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden throughout the tournament.
More Than Meets The Eye
Despite its unassuming star rating, the hotel offered several key advantages that made it the perfect choice for the Three Lions:
- Complete privacy and security in a remote forest location
- On-site golf course for relaxation between matches
- Custom-built training facilities within the complex
- Minimal travel time to match venues
- Dedicated team areas away from other guests
A Deliberate Strategy
Football insiders suggest this was a calculated move by the England management team. After previous tournaments where players complained about boredom in isolated luxury resorts, the Blankenhain location offered better opportunities for team bonding while maintaining focus.
"Sometimes the most obvious choice isn't the right one," explained one team source. "We needed somewhere that could be entirely ours, where the players could relax properly but still maintain their professional routines."
Fan Reaction Mixed
Supporters expressed surprise at the accommodation standard, with many expecting more glamorous surroundings for their multi-million pound heroes. However, former England players defended the choice, noting that tournament success matters more than luxury surroundings.
The hotel itself underwent significant renovations to meet FA requirements, proving that sometimes substance truly does trump style when it comes to major tournament preparation.
