A robot in German team colors will serve England’s stars at their plush Euro 2024 team hotel. The real-life WALL-E named Kehrbart delivers meals to tables. It even has Deutschland motif and squad number 24. It was previously called Robby. It got a host nation makeover when the German team stayed there recently. It has mischievously kept its new look for the arrival of old rivals England.
Three Lions stars including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, will fly to their tournament base tomorrow. Kehrbart — thought to be a jokey German name for sweeper — was still in his home country’s colors yesterday. He prepared to greet Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
Sources quipped that it brought back memories of former England striker Peter Crouch’s famed robot goal celebration who also performed in a No 24 shirt in 2006.
Kehrbart Prepares to Serve England Team at Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa
One source told the Sun on Sunday: “Robby is usually slate grey color with flashing blue eyes. He helps staff deliver plates and dishes. But the German team stayed at hotel recently. He was given new look and new name to support them.”
“I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive. A Three Lions shirt and English name might be good idea. Perhaps Bobby the Robot after Bobby Moore?”
The source added: “If Peter Crouch was still playing for England, he could do his famous robot dance goalscoring celebration with him.” Kehrbart will help 160 staff at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain. Eastern Germany. The squad will call home for up to a month. The droid says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work.”
It works in six gourmet restaurants in hotel. England put in a robotic performance in Friday’s 1-0 warm-up defeat against Iceland. They have sole occupancy of all 94 rooms. A squad source told us last night: “We’re looking forward to meeting our new robot friend. We don’t have any plans to rebrand him. But will let you know if that changes!”
