Today 15:03 BST
Three Lions fans praised for loyalty and dedication by football association
England fans have been praised for their loyalty and dedication in following the team around the US.
Many supporters flew to Florida for England's friendlies, then returned to the UK before coming back to America for later group matches or the knockout phase. The Football Supporters Association (FSA) spokesman Thomas Concannon said: "Some of the fans in Florida for the friendlies flew back home but were then flying back out.
"In terms of the numbers here, time and time again our supporters have faced these financial challenges and passed with flying colours. You can only credit them for their dedication in getting here."
The FSA celebrated the 200th edition of the Free Lions fanzine in Dallas. Their chief executive Kevin Miles helped set up the Fans’ Embassy service and the Free Lions fanzine, and he says it still holds huge value in the modern age.
He added: “A crucial part of the Free Lions team's work has always been to represent the majority with the simple request that we be policed based on our behaviour, not our reputation." The Three Lions play Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday. The Fans’ Embassy will be located on Boston Common at the information centre from 10am to 5pm on Monday and two hours on matchday starting at 10 a.m.
Today 14:53 BST
Roy Keane's secret World Cup shirt to sell for £20k - but nobody knew it existed
It’s a World Cup football shirt no-one even knew existed - but now it’s going up for auction and expected to sell for £20,000. ITV pundit Roy Keane sensationally walked out of the Ireland squad before Japan 2002 and the decision sent shockwaves through football. But the Manchester United star’s shirt for the tournament had already been made with the appropriate printing.
It was kept safe by the team’s kitman who brought it back from Japan and gave it to his boss. It’s been in a lock-up on the outskirts of Dublin ever since. Now Jonathan Courtenay is putting it up for sale.
Today 14:51 BST
Prince William only plans to attend World Cup in United States if England make final
Prince William is only expected to travel to the US to watch England in the World Cup if they make the final, it is understood.
The Prince of Wales, who is known to be a huge football fan, went to several Three Lions games in Germany during the Euros in 2024 - England’s last major tournament. He even took Prince George to Berlin for the Euros final, where England lost 2-1 to Spain.
But it is believed that William will not jet across the Atlantic for any of England’s group games - and will only head to the tournament if they make it all the way to the showpiece match on July 18 at the New York New Jersey Stadium - their first World Cup final since 1966.
Today 14:43 BST
Brazil fans embrace 'Rocky Curse' ahead of Haiti clash
Brazil fans are embracing the 'Rocky Curse' in Philadelphia ahead of their World Cup clash with Haiti.Unsurprisingly, those in the city have made their way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the famous statue of the fictional boxer at the top of the steps. But crucially, this time, Brazil supporters are refusing to put any Selecao shirts, hats or scarves on the statue - in fear that Carlo Ancelotti's side will be jinxed.In Philly, legend holds that whenever opposition fans dress the Rocky statue in their colours, their team loses or suffers a knockout blow. Ecuador fans, here for their World Cup opener against Ivory Coast, found that out the hard way.They dressed Rocky in La Tri yellow - then lost 1-0 courtesy of Manchester United starlet Amad's 90th-minute winner at Lincoln Financial Field. Brazil fans took note, and on Thursday, four supporters actually dressed up as bodyguards to prevent fellow fans from touching Rocky.Brazilians have also been spreading the news on Instagram, so compatriots in Philadelphia resist all temptation to curse their national team following their 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey.
Brazil has embraced the 'Rocky curse'(Image: Getty Images)
Today 14:10 BST
England fans left terrified after severe turbulence on Dallas flight
England fans were left terrified when their World Cup plane was hit by severe turbulence which left one fan and two flight attendants on the floor.
After eventually landing safely members of crew said: “That was the worst we’ve experienced for years.” The American Airlines flight was heading from Dallas, England’s first World Cup venue, to Boston, where the Three Lions play Ghana on Tuesday, when it ran into horrendous weather.
Over 50 England supporters were onboard AA Flight 1577. The plane lurched wildly after being hit by sudden turbulence an hour before landing in Boston. One crew member said: “I’ve experienced that once or twice in my career when a plane is out over the oceans but never anything that bad over mainland United States.”
England fan James Matthews, 39, from Lincoln said: “It was very, very frightening. The p…
Read the full article at Daily Mirror →
United Kingdom