THE NOTEBOOK: FANS GET FREE SUN CREAM, JOHN O'SHEA JETS IN TO DO HIS ENGLAND HOMEWORK... WHILE JOHN STONES AND JORDAN PICKFORD TIE TOURNAMENT RECORD
- England fans were provided with free sun cream in Cologne ahead of kick-off
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England failed to silence their critics despite securing top spot in Group C after being held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.
England had already booked their spot in the last-16 prior to kick-off, but were yet to seal first place.
Gareth Southgate vowed to let his players off the leash after two disappointing performances, but the Three Lions flattered to deceive once more.
They took over half an hour to register a shot on target, while Conor Gallagher was hauled off at half time after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the starting XI.
Mail Sport's Mike Keegan was on hand in Cologne to pick out things that you may have missed.
Fans disrupt dream wedding
Spare a thought for the couple who thought it may be a good idea to get married in a central Cologne square on the day of an England game.
The bride and groom enjoyed a noisy ceremony, serenaded by a guestlist of hundreds - with many more than just the bride wearing white.
Free sun cream for fans
German efficiency has been in short supply at this tournament, with England fans beset by travel issues as they attempt to follow the Three Lions around.
However, on a baking-hot day in Cologne, many were delighted to find free sun cream available at dispensers dotted about the town centre.
That said, the heat on the tram was too much for one group of supporters, who decided to burst through a door and walk the final 20 minutes to the ground.
Stifling heat - but not for the players
With the mercury hitting a stifling 26 Celsius at kick-off and not a cloud in the sky it was perhaps surprising to see England stroll out onto the turf in what looked like Nike-sponsored waterproof jackets.
Fans continue to back England
Once again, England enjoyed a home advantage on German soil with fans of the Three Lions vastly outnumbering those of their opponents.
Officially, around 18,000 England supporters were expected in the 42,561 crowd compared to 9,500 Slovenians. In reality, the number of those backing Southgate’s side looked north of 30,000.
O'Shea gets his homework done
It cannot be said that John O’Shea is a man who does not do his homework. The caretaker Republic of Ireland boss was among those present in Cologne.
O’Shea has been in interim charge since Stephen Kenny was sacked in November.
England head to Dublin for a Nations League clash on September 7.
Stones ties tournament record
John Stones made his 22nd consecutive tournament start for England, tying a record of Ashley Cole along with Jordan Pickford.
Manchester City’s Barnsley-born defender picked up his 75th cap in the process.
Beer sales double in Germany
Given the number of delays it is probably of little surprise that beer consumption on the rattler in Germany has gone through the roof.
Sales have doubled since the start of the tournament, with 44,588 litres sank between June 14 and 19 – the equivalent of 132 tankers.
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