Germany’s reputation for super-efficiency has suffered a body blow.

As football fans poured in and out of cities across the country for Euro 2024, they discovered the trains weren’t as good as they thought.

One supporters’ group even said services were better when Russia hosted the World Cup.

Fans praised “sensational” pricing deals which, for ticket holders, included discounted or even free local travel as part of a sustainability drive.

But Thomas Concannon from the Football Supporters’ Association complained: “We were in constant contact with fans who were experiencing problems.”

He believes surprise at the situation was partly borne out of a "pre-conceived reputation about Germany that the trains run on time”.

Lindsey and Darren Ramskill from Goole in East Yorkshire went to six out of England's seven matches and experienced packed trains, stop-start services and poor communication.

“I’m not moaning about British trains anymore,” said Lindsey. “Ours are better.”

Another football supporter from the neighbouring Netherlands, who travels a lot for his work as a motivational speaker, was less shocked.

“If I can, I try to avoid Germany now because there are always problems,” said........

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