A large army of 10,000 England fans are heading to Dallas to watch the opening World Cup match against Croatia. Superfan Robert Did has attended every England home game since 1986, setting a record of 222 consecutive games from 1987 to 2007. He has spent around £500,000 for his country and has not regretted a penny.
My first game was in October 1986, and I have attended every home game for the past 40 years. I calculated that I spent around 100,000 pounds chasing the UK in the 90s, but it must be around 500,000 pounds now. I think we’ll have a bigger house and some extra bedrooms. But I’ve been to 76 countries. It’s like the explorer who travels the world you see on TV or read about in books.
The 16-year-old was pictured holding a Mitcham/Chelsea England flag early in the game. He keeps the tickets and memorabilia from the games he has followed the national team throughout his life. His “fear” is missing out if England win the World Cup.
Mr Garford, 64, a civil servant from London, is playing in his 10th World Cup and the trip cost around £12,000. Garford will head to Dallas, where he will make the 40-hour journey by Greyhound bus to Boston.
It’s £135 for 3 changes, but it’s an authentic experience and gives you time to think and see parts of America you might never have seen otherwise. It leaves at 3:15 a.m., so it might not be very comfortable, but it will take you to Nashville and New York before Boston, then on to Memphis, Jackson, Knoxville, and Charlottesville. Those are the places and people you will remember. ”
The England Supporters Association led the US fan embassy service on a four-day road trip from Florida to Dallas, via Tallahassee, Florida, Mobile, Alabama, and Natchez, Mississippi. The Newcastle United fan spoke of Louisiana’s “church every half mile” and the rolling countryside that reminded him of his home in Northumberland.
The country roads felt like the single-file A1 in northern Northumberland. It was classic America. The only thing missing was the Johnny Cash soundtrack. Dallas Stadium is truly amazing and worth a visit when you’re here. Considering the financial issues, the number of England supporters here is unbelievable and I think it’s a real credit to them. ”
He stressed the need to carry water due to the intense heat, which is expected to reach 32-33 degrees Celsius, or about 90 degrees Celsius, by kick-off time at 3 p.m. The match will be played under the stadium’s roof to keep it cool for players and fans.
Chris Thomas, 40, from Leeds, will leave Kansas City at 3am tomorrow (Wednesday) in time for kick-off. Chris, whose street food company Brit Boy sells traditional British pies, now lives in Kansas City with his best friend Sam Bannister, also from Leeds, another expat, Kai Marty, and his American wife Sandy.
The stadium is about 45 minutes from the city, so you’ll likely be arriving by car, taxi, or public transportation. Failure to do so can result in significant costs. Right now I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I just wish England all the best.”
George Smith, an Exeter City fan who works in finance, currently lives in San Diego, California, and is traveling to group games in England with Three Lions supporters from Spain, Scandinavia and Australia. George, 42, plans to take his 11-year-old son Charlie to the England match. He also plans to take his Mexican-born wife Monica to the famous Azteca Stadium when England play their country in the Round of 16.
George spent a total of around $7,000 (£5,178) on tickets for himself and his family. However, depending on England’s progress, the bill could rise to £12,000.
