The families of England players are facing major travel chaos ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The parent of one player has even taken the decision to drive to Germany for the game because they can not purchase a direct commercial flight to the nation’s capital for the showpiece clash.
The shortage of flights to Berlin in time for the final has seen families enquire about taking a private jet.
One family has been quoted £18,000 for a return flight, while several others have been told there are no landing slots available.
There are also no direct commercial flights back to London on Monday to add to their woe.
The families of England players are facing travel chaos as they look to attend the Euro 2024 final in Berlin (pictured: Harry Kane with his wife and other relatives in the stands in Dortmund)
Jude Bellingham has often been supported in Germany by his parents and his brother Jobe
Direct commercial flights to the German capital sold out after the Three Lions’ semi-final win
Prior to Wednesday’s semi-final win over the Netherlands, families were comfortable with the level of availability for direct flights in Berlin.
But the friend of one player said: ‘Literally within minutes of the final whistle all the direct flights to Berlin had gone, it’s a nightmare for us to get there now.’
Given the size of the game, a larger contingent of family and friends were expected to make the trip to Berlin this weekend.
But the difficulties in arranging travel could impact on those who were hoping to attend one of the biggest games in England’s history.
If England are crowned European champions, the players will split a bonus pot worth up to £10million.
Families have been forced to consider taking a private jet (pictured: Kyle Walker with his wife)
One family was quoted £18,000 for a return flight (pictured: Kobbie Mainoo and loved ones)
The players are in line for a major cash windfall if they are crowned European champions for the first time in Berlin.
A number of players are also in line for personal cash bonuses through their individual endorsement deals.
For instance, industry sources have indicated that Harry Kane is likely to net a financial reward if he wins the tournament’s Golden Boot through his deal with Sketchers.
Kane is the joint top scorer with three goals, along with Spain’s Dani Olmo and a host of other players who are no longer in the tournament.
The Football Association have not commented on player’ bonuses structure.
Harry Kane is likely to net a financial reward if he finishes as the tournament’s top scorer
Jordan Henderson is among those to have looked at coming to Berlin despite being dropped
Meanwhile, players from the Euro 2020 squad that were defeated in the final to Italy that weren’t picked in the latest squad are considering attending Sunday’s final.
It is understood former vice-captain Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are among those to have looked into coming to Berlin – although there are major issues with booking travel to Germany this weekend – an issue that has left families of the players involved in Sunday’s facing major travel chaos.
‘I have heard some of them are coming out to support us which shows great credit to them as individuals,’ Walker told talkSPORT.
‘Obviously, not being here is a big disappointment but that shows you the togetherness that we have where they still want to come and want to come and support us.
‘I know a lot of players would be sitting sulking thinking “I wish I was there”, but they want to come and share the moment and if we win. I am sure they will be in the dressing room afterwards celebrating as they deserve it and have been part of it.’
