England vs Germany: Why not everyone in Doncaster will be backing the Three Lions

England's football stars take on their biggest rivals Germany in a knock-out game at Euro 2020 on Tuesday - but in Doncaster, not quite everyone will be backing the Three Lions to victory.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

That's because of a small contingent of German-born nationals in the area which will be hoping their side can reach the quarter-finals at England's expense.

Anglo-German groups in England are looking forward to the game which they say will bring together a shared love of football, and beer, between nationals of the two countries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to the 2011 census data, 1,352 people in Doncaster were born in Germany

1,352 people in Doncaster were born in Germany1,352 people in Doncaster were born in Germany
1,352 people in Doncaster were born in Germany
Read More
Pandemic reduces traffic but lives still lost on South Yorkshire roads

This means Germans made up around four of every 1,000 residents in the area at the last official count – slightly below the average of five in every 1,000 residents across England.

In comparison, 276,369 English-born nationals live in Doncaster.

Yet despite being severely outnumbered, German-born nationals are said to be looking forward to the encounter, which is expected to draw a huge television audience.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They can also be confident in the knowledge their side has enjoyed the better of recent battles between the two sides, with victories at 'Euro 96 and the World Cup in 2010.

The British-German Association, a charity founded in 1951 to foster friendship between the two nations, said members were excited about Tuesday's game.

A spokesperson said: "The British-German Association fosters mutual understanding and friendly contacts between the UK and Germany.

"So we are looking forward to the England-Germany football match as a way of bringing together two great sporting countries in their shared love of football.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our members around the country are excited about watching the forthcoming game."

This was echoed by members of the Bristol Anglo-German Society, which seeks to further interest in the German-speaking world.

Jon Darch, secretary of the group, said: "Our members enjoy all things Anglo-German - even those who are not avid football fans have an appreciation of the passions that the beautiful game arouses and so will be looking forward greatly to Tuesday's encounter."

He added: "Despite the rivalry, I think there's also a great friendship between English and German football fans – and, of course, between the two peoples in general.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.