EUROS DIARY: Storm hits England camp in Germany, Sir Alex Ferguson takes centre stage at charity dinner and former Arsenal defender lands punditry role

England's players have been treated to an after-dinner performance, courtesy of Mother Nature. 

Incredible storms hit Germany on Monday evening just as the Three Lions were finishing their meals at their forest retreat. Insiders said the group took in the action from the windows, with giant hailstones battering the area. 'Pretty spectacular' said one witness. The storm was so noteworthy that it triggered an alert at UEFA HQ, prompting a check with the England group to ensure all was OK.

Three Lions are a TV hit 

England appear to hold most interest out of all the competing nations bar Germany for locals. While 14.8m watched The Three Lions' opener against Serbia on ITV – a 40 per cent rise on the first match of Euro 2020 – a staggering 11.8m took in the action in Germany, which was easily the highest figure for any match bar the hosts' clash with Scotland. The tournament opener which was watched by 22.5m here and 8.6m on ITV. 

BBC staff's travel relief

The BBC appear to have relaxed their travel policy, much to the relief of staffers. At the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year workers were told they would have to get the train, resulting in gruelling trips totalling four days there and back. This time around most have taken flights to Germany, meaning that taxpayers will not have to pay for them to be sat on trains and ferries for two days. A BBC spokesperson said they are 'mindful or balancing cost, efficiency and sustainability', adding that staff would be travelling 'via different methods'.

Germany's LGBT welcome

It is safe to say the Euros is a very different experience for LGBT+ fans than the World Cup in Qatar. For example, the main station in Dusseldorf has two giant rainbow flags flying above it and there are no special checkpoints outside stadiums where flags and banners are assessed for pro-LGBT+ messaging before being allowed in.

Fergie's the star of the show 

Sir Alex Ferguson was a guest of honour at a charity dinner in Munich on Thursday night, ahead of Scotland's tournament opener, and brought with him a slice of Aberdeen history. The former Dons and Manchester United manager handed over a silver match ticket from the famous Pittodrie quarter-final second-leg victory over Bayern Munich in the 1983 Cup Winners' Cup, which his side would subsequently lift. The ticket was auctioned off alongside a number of other items including a bottle of whisky signed by Sean Connery, with £600,000 raised for Street Soccer Scotland.

Ex-Arsenal star lands TV gig 

Per Mertesacker is providing analysis for viewers of German TV. The Arsenal academy director 39, has previously been linked with a move to the German FA, who will no doubt be keeping a keen eye on his work.