In June 2006, Ian Gallagher found himself in Baden Baden, Germany, covering the World Cup when the wives and girlfriends of the England squad, known as WAGs, descended upon the town. Gallagher describes the serene atmosphere of the Brenners Park Hotel, quickly disrupted by the arrival of these vibrant women, including Coleen McLoughlin and Alex Curran. Contrary to the wild reputation that would later follow them, Gallagher portrays the WAGs as charming and supportive, enjoying a holiday while their partners prepared for matches. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson expressed concerns that the WAGs could distract the players, but Gallagher suggests that their presence might have provided a welcome diversion. The WAGs spent lavishly on beauty treatments to maintain their image, reflecting the intense media scrutiny they faced. Gallagher notes that while the WAG phenomenon sparked debate about feminism and public image, it also marked a unique moment in football culture that has since evolved with the rise of social media, changing how players and their partners manage public perception.