Dutch praise England fans

Amsterdam was the first port of call for some English fans

England fans have started flooding into the Dutch town of Eindhoven to watch their team's first Euro 2000 match against Portugal.

Many of them arrived on packed trains from Amsterdam where their pre-match celebrations had mostly passed without trouble.

Dutch police chiefs praised English fans for their good behaviour while they mingled with Dutch revellers in Amsterdam's bars.

We had a great night - now we really like the British fans

Dutch police superintendent

"We had a great night - now we really like the British fans," said Dutch police superintendent Klaas Wilting said.

Only a few minor skirmishes involving English supporters were reported in Amsterdam on Sunday night, with one fan arrested for assaulting a fellow England supporter.

Dutch police have told fans who do not have tickets for Monday night's game to stay away, but thousands are expected to turn up.

One British tout was arrested outside the stadium in Amsterdam where Holland were playing the Czech Republic, with 125 black-market tickets for sale. He was later released without charge.

Out in force

More than 2,000 extra police officers are on patrol in the city to prevent trouble before and after the game, which is taking place on the third day of the tournament.

The match has been identified as a potential flashpoint for violence and is likely to be the biggest test yet of Euro 2000's policing arrangements.

But violent scenes did mar the first day of the tournament when Brussels riot police used tear gas on an unruly crowd after Belgium defeated Sweden in Saturday's opening game.

Police in Eindhoven have prepared an extra 150 cells to cope with potential trouble on Monday and are warning that they will get tough if they have to.

Eindhoven hopes for a party, not a battle

Jos van Riet, general commander of Eindhoven police, said: "We would ask the English fans to behave in a way that will make a party of this match, not a battle."

On-the-spot fines will also be enforced for minor offences, like spitting, swearing and urinating in public, as police bid to maintain what has so far been a peaceful atmosphere.

Weaker beer

The only beer sold in central Eindhoven on Monday will be a specially-brewed weaker brew available only in plastic containers.

Alcohol will only be sold to customers inside bars as an added precaution, although a total sales ban could also be enforced if deemed necessary.

England supporter Toby Leeman from Stockport said he and two friends had enjoyed a "wild" weekend in Amsterdam and were now looking forward to sampling the many bars and pubs in Eindhoven.

"We hope that this carnival atmosphere continues," said the 22-year-old.

Deterrents

About 7,000 England fans have tickets for Monday night's game but many more are expected to make the journey in the hope of buying some on the black market.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) has estimated that just under 15 convicted and suspected hooligans have been turned away from Belgium and The Netherlands.

Riot police made arrests in Brussels

But officials in the Netherlands and the UK are pleased at the deterrent effects of police moves to turn away convicted hooligans.

NCIS spokesman Mark Steels said some suspected hooligans had made it to the tournament but their movements were being monitored.

The Dutch authorities are preparing for an influx of up to 13,000 ticketless fans in Eindhoven, but the NCIS expects no more than 6,000 to attend.

Football-phobia

Millions are expected to switch on to live television coverage of the game in England but retailers are also eyeing the market of football-phobics.

Some larger branches of Sainsbury's are offering free manicures and makeovers for customers shopping while England's matches are being played.

The move is said to be an antidote to Euro 2000 mania.