World Cup 2018: Sweden's England preparations hampered by early-morning fire alarm

Follow all the latest from the World Cup quarter-final in Samara

Scott d'Arcy
Saturday 07 July 2018 13:08 BST
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All you need to know about Sweden ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals

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Sweden's preparations for their World Cup quarter-final with England got off to the worst possible start after a surprise early wake-up call when a fire alarm went off at their luxury hotel early in the morning.

Hours before the Scandinavian side faced their biggest game since 1994, they were forced to evacuate their rooms at the five-star Lotte Hotel, in central Samara, at around 8am.

One England fan, who is staying at the hotel and asked not to be named, said he saw the players standing outside the along with football fans.

LIVE: Follow all the latest from Sweden vs England

The Swedish stars, including midfielder Seb Larsson, were said to be looking tired in the lobby after the false alarm.

England fan Terry Comitti, from Romford, Essex, said: "They were not happy and that wouldn't be a surprise when they were supposed to be getting their beauty sleep before what is probably the biggest game of their lives."

Hours after the incident, a member of hotel staff, who did not want to be named, said: "Everything is OK, the guests are safely in their rooms or the lobby."

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