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BARMY ARMY

Inside Portuguese city bracing itself for 15,000 boozy England fans ahead of Nations League semi-final with Holland

THERE was peace and quiet in Guimaraes yesterday – but that will change in 48 hours when England fans arrive.

The historic city in northern Portugal is the venue for England’s Uefa Nations League semi-final with Holland.

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Looking across the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques
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Looking across the Estadio D. Afonso HenriquesCredit: Getty - Contributor
The historic centre of Guimaraes
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The historic centre of GuimaraesCredit: Getty - Contributor
A statue of Portugal's first king, after which the arena is named
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A statue of Portugal's first king, after which the arena is namedCredit: Getty - Contributor

At least 15,000 fans England supporters have tickets for the game at the 30,000-capacity Estadio D. Alfonso Henriques, home of Portuguese top-flight team Vitoria.

But supporters hoping for excellent weather like that at Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid will be disappointed.

The weather is expected to turn on Thursday with heavy rain currently expected and a maximum temperature of 15C.

England’s players travel tomorrow and will be staying in the city at the boutique Santa Luzia ArtHotel over the five days. Security guards were working yesterday erecting barriers to seal off the road.

A bust of Lord Baden Powell, a Grand Officer of the Portuguese Order of Christ, close to the stadium
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A bust of Lord Baden Powell, a Grand Officer of the Portuguese Order of Christ, close to the stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Finishing touches made to the ground
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Finishing touches made to the groundCredit: Getty - Contributor
The host city gets in the swing of things
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The host city gets in the swing of thingsCredit: Getty - Contributor
The quiet city centre of Guimaraes
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The quiet city centre of GuimaraesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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Portugal face Switzerland in the other semi-final tomorrow in Porto, which will also stage Sunday’s final.

If England lose against the Dutch, they will once again play in Guimaraes in the third place play-off on Sunday afternoon.

The majority of fans are staying around the coast in Oporto and organisers have ensured that transport will be running after both games in Guimaraes, which is inland.

Guimaraes has played host to an English club before, with Bolton drawing 1-1 with Vitoria in 2005.

A gathering points for fans
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A gathering points for fansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
England's base in the town
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England's base in the townCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Grey clouds indicate a chilly night on Thursday
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Grey clouds indicate a chilly night on ThursdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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