ENGLAND are looking to defend their European Championship title this month in Switzerland.
The Lionesses were on home soil when they made history by winning Euro 2022 three years ago.
They travel to Switzerland this week as one of the nations to beat, alongside world champions Spain.
And in a bid to prepare in the best way possible, Sarina Wiegman and Co will remain based at a stunning five-star Zurich resort.
The Dolder Grand offers incredible views of Switzerland’s biggest city, Lake Zurich and the Alps.
It has 175 luxurious rooms, a 4,000 m² spa with a large pool and gym, and four award-winning restaurants – one of which has two Michelin stars.
Some rooms and packages even offer a butler service.
The Lionesses will be training daily at Sportanlage Au, a sports complex in the nearby municipality of Opfikon around 10km away.
FA Chiefs believe that both venues will offer England players the “best environment to maximise their full potential” at the tournament.
A decision was made on the hotel and training complex following a year-long search which saw staff members visit 23 hotels and 24 pitches.
When looking for the perfect base, England have a list of non-negotiables.
Officials look for a place that has elements of privacy but also “a bit of life around it” for a sense of normality.
They also seek for a hotel with ‘logical flow’, meaning players and staff members can get from A to B as efficiently as possible.
Finally, a place with plenty of outdoor space is always prioritised.
On the choice of hotel and training base, Anja van Ginhoven, the senior team general manager of England women, said: “About a year ago, for the first time, I stepped into the door of the Dolder and we could just feel the excitement of the hotel staff.
“One of the first things they said to us – similar to The Lensbury for the last EURO and in Terrigal for the World Cup – they said: ‘we want to be part of this.’
“We also took Sarina out there and a couple of other members of staff – we thought we had found a hotel that ticks all of the boxes that we want. It’s a beautiful place.
“We feel super welcome and very supported. All they want to do is give us a great home away from home in the summer.”
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