THREE England fans sparked a security scare by blagging their way into the players’ World Cup hotel in Rio.

BOSS TIME: Andy, Alex and Josh with Roy Hodgson

Police have thrown a ring of steel around the Three Lions squad to protect them from terrorists and rioters.

But England fans Andy Richardson, 22, Alex Hill, 22, and Josh Pearce, 19, bypassed security to meet their heroes inside the Royal Tulip Hotel by telling guards they needed the toilet.

The trio slipped past 20 armed security personnel before going on a bender just feet away from the England squad.

The cheeky pals then mingled with the players and persuaded stars including captain Steven Gerrard, 33, and boss Roy Hodgson, 66, to pose for pictures.

Snaps also show them with their arms round Daniel Sturridge, 24, Jordan Henderson, 23, and Adam Lallana, 26.

After chatting with the players, the three friends celebrated by downing six pints of beer and a sandwich before calmly walking out of the front door.

SNEAKY SELFIE: The lads with Jordan Henderson

The three mates flew to Rio on June 5 after buying tickets for all England’s group matches.

They got a taxi to the hotel after hearing the players were based there.

Last night Birmingham City fan Andy, from Worcester, said: “There were armed police everywhere so we sun-bathed on the beach for three hours. Then we thought: ‘We are going in.’

"There were 20 armed police and I told them I needed the toilet. They fell for the trick and suddenly we were in.

"Roy Hodgson was there so we started off getting a photo with him.

"Within the next three or four hours we got pictures with most of the squad.

"We ended up having six beers and a club sandwich."

Student Alex said: “It was all a bit of fun but makes you think about how seriously the authorities are taking security when three lads on a jolly from England can meet the players by blagging the guards.”

An FA spokesman declined to comment last night.

But a team source said: “At the end of the day the hotel is open to members of the public as well as the team.”