Goal!!! 7 tips for the ultimate Euro 2024 streaming experience (and beyond)

The roar of the crowd, the tension of the penalty shootout, the ecstasy of the winning goal, cheering on the home nations (sorry Wales and Northern Ireland ☹) – Euro 2024 is here, and this time, you don’t need a stadium seat or even a massive TV to be part of the action. With all the games available on streaming platforms, your living room, bedroom, or even your garden can become the ultimate football venue.

But how do you ensure your streaming experience is as smooth as a Foden free kick and reliable as the Belgian back four? Here are 7 tips to give your Euro 2024 viewing experience a good old pep talk.

P.s. If you’re reading this article in the middle of the tournament, or we already got knocked out three weeks ago, you can still apply these tips to your regular streaming too!

1. Broadband faster than a Kyle Walker track-back

This is non-negotiable. Buffering and pixelated screens are the ultimate fouls when it comes to enjoying the footy. Make sure you have a broadband package that can handle the demands of HD streaming. Not sure what you need? Check your postcode here to discover the fastest speeds available at your address.

2. Give ‘not spots’ the offside flag

Is there a corner of your home where WiFi signals are less on target than a Chris Waddle penalty? Euro 2024 isn’t the time for that kind of drama. Consider adding Zen EveryRoom to your broadband package for seamless WiFi that stretches to every part of the house and never miss a goal even if you’re grabbing a quick snack from the kitchen.

3. Make sure your tech’s match fit

Whether you’re streaming on a phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV, ensure your device is up to the task. Older devices might struggle with high-quality streams, so consider upgrading if necessary. And remember to charge your batteries. You don’t want your device to conk out just as England are abo…..!

4. More comfortable than a home team dugout

While a mega-screen is great, it’s not essential. But whatever screen you’re watching on, make sure you’re comfortable. Prop yourself up with cushions, dim the lights for a cinematic feel, and most importantly get those snacks and drinks within easy reach. After all, no one wants to miss a crucial moment while nipping for a refill.

5. Crank up the crowd noise

We know that a lot of football commentary can be take-it-or-leave-it, but there’s nothing quite like hearing the atmosphere of a big game in all its glory. If your device’s speakers are lacking, connect a soundbar or external speakers. For a truly immersive experience – if you’re at home with others who don’t quite share your fine footballing taste – consider noise-cancelling headphones.

6. Warm up your streaming game

Before the match kicks off, give yourself a team talk and go into the game fully prepared. Close any background apps or downloads that could hog bandwidth, and make sure your iPlayer and ITVX apps are updated to the latest version. Got housemates who love to stream in 4K while you’re trying to watch the match? Have a word!

7. Better than VAR: Use video technology to connect with friends and family

Even if you can’t be together in person, you can still share the excitement of the game with friends and family. Set up a group video call or chat to watch the game together and share your reactions in real-time. What’s more uniting than the shared anguish of seeing the agony on each other’s faces as that last-minute sitter sails over the bar!

Football isn’t everything – maybe you’d prefer to stream something else

Despite what the great Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said about football being more important than life or death, to many people, the idea of streaming a summer of football is unthinkable. But thankfully, a top-notch streaming setup isn’t just for the Euros. Once the tournament’s over (or even instead of it!), with these tips you’ll be all set to binge the latest Netflix series, dive into Disney+, get your Olympics fix, or explore any other streaming service you fancy.