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EUROS DIARY: England receive a warm welcome & one nation faces a politics storm

  /  autty

Joe Hart has joined Qatar-based broadcaster beIN's line-up for the Euros.

The former England and Manchester City stopper retired from football at the end of the season following a glittering end to his career at Celtic.

Hart will be joined by the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Ashley Cole and Arsene Wenger, along with Ruud Gullit and Marcel Desailly - with no expense clearly spared.

Politics on pause

The Euros have already caused a scandal in one of the competing nations.

There will be no parliamentary sessions in Albania for no fewer than 10 days because so many politicians are travelling to the tournament.

'A shameful act' bemoaned the opposition. The Albanians will not be short on support here regardless, with around 50,000 - who live in Germany - expected to watch their opening match against Italy in Dortmund.

England go 1-0 up

As Mail Sport revealed, England scored an early victory by checking themselves into the plush Weimarer Land Spa and Golf Resort.

The upmarket complex is a favourite haunt of the Germans, who were there themselves around two weeks ago but who are contractually obliged to stay at the adidas HQ.

Insiders have disclosed that all is going to plan at the forest base and that the Germans did not leave any nasty surprises behind for their rivals.

A warm welcome

England's sprawling home is so expansive that the training ground is a 1.5km walk from the hotel.

As such, players have been taking a coach from door to door. Meanwhile, locals in Blankenhain are certainly doing their bit to ensure their guests feel welcome.

In a town of just 7,000, flags of St George are flying from civic buildings and houses.

Serbia clash with police

Serbia's pre-England training session was halted when pyro-wielding fans clashed with police in ominous scenes.

Dragan Stojkovic's side play the Three Lions in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night in a match that has been designated 'high risk'.

Local police fear 500 Serbian hooligans will try and cause trouble, while low alcohol will be served in the stands in attempt to keep things under control.

However, on Wednesday night an open practice descended into chaos after a young fan tried to storm onto the pitch to meet his heroes.

After he was stopped by security boos rang out from a number of Serbian fans who had gathered and pyros were then launched at police.

Officers reacted quickly and tried to find the individual responsible but according to BILD he was able to escape.

The session was paused but was able to continue after police had calmed things down.

Southgate in or Southgate out?

A pre-tournament poll may make happy reading for Gareth Southgate - with 50 per cent of those surveyed happy if he stayed as manager regardless of how England perform.

Only 14 per cent said they would like to see him go, with 30 per cent questioned by bookies BoyleSPorts undecided.