Uefa says it is working on resolving the issues that saw the pitch for England’s Euro 2024 clash with Denmark cut up within minutes of kick-off.
The Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw against the Danes on Thursday with the state of the pitch at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt quickly frustrating players and those watching on from home who branded the conditions ‘disgraceful’.
Chunks of the turf went flying from the early stages of the match as players went into tackles or attempted to make clean contact with the ball.
England captain Kyle Walker had a very awkward landing in one incident, forcing him to change his footwear with fans watching on fearing injuries were inevitable on the beaten-up surface.
Gareth Southgate’s side emerged unscathed but limped to a miserable draw against Denmark, missing the chance to qualify for the knockout stages as Group C winners on Thursday.
England captain Harry Kane noted the poor condition of the pitch and the searing temperatures in Frankfurt as mitigating circumstances on the night, with Southgate adding: ‘I’ve been a defender [and] when you play on a pitch like that it puts you on edge because you’re not quite sure of your footing and you’re not quite sure when one moment, one slip could cost the team.’
While the pitch was an issue, those excuses will have done little to mask the extent of how disappointing England were on the night.
In the days leading up to Thursday’s game, Frankfurt had steady rainfall throughout the week with the roof of the Waldstadion closed for 24 hours before kick-off. While that was carried out to protect the pitch, the conditions were a problem for both teams.
Uefa insists it is carrying out work to rectify those issues.
A statement said: ‘UEFA and its independent pitch consultants have been working closely with the grounds team in Frankfurt in the build-up of the tournament to guarantee optimal playing conditions and have seen the overall pitch rating improve consistently over the course of the previous season.
‘A detailed maintenance plan is in place to address specific issues and further improve quality ahead of the upcoming fixtures at the venue.’
The stadium, home to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, will next host the Group A clash between Germany and Switzerland on Sunday night. Wednesday’s meeting between Slovakia and Romania will also take place there.
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