Andy Milne, in one of his many matches for England. (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
England’s biggest superfan is planning to put his home up for sale to help pay for a trip to this summer’s World Cup. Andy Milne shot to fame after he was spotted holding a replica of the iconic Jules Rimet trophy at a tournament in Qatar. Andy, a 62-year-old retired teacher, enjoys a cult following among supporters and is currently preparing for her 10th World Cup, after England, after supporting the men eight times and appearing in one Women’s World Cup in Australia in 2023.
He plans to stay in the US for seven weeks and has secured tickets to all the games leading up to the final. However, he has listed his second home in Northwich, Cheshire, for £350,000 to help fund the expedition. “I would love to see the whole tournament,” he told the Mirror. “I’m going to the US on June 3rd and will be there for seven weeks. So it’s going to cost me a lot of money.”
He added, “I always try to go cheap if I can. I couchsurf as much as possible. I’m lucky to have friends in Mexico, Dallas, and Vancouver. Travel is expensive. I bought international flights early so I could change my departure time by 10 minutes.”
Andy is scheduled to travel to Dallas for England’s opening game against Croatia on June 17th. Andy is planning a road trip to Memphis to visit Elvis Presley’s former home, Graceland, and will see several tribute performances along the way.
Andy, who had returned from Thailand to watch England, kept his second home as a rental property.
“I’m selling it to go to the World Cup, so it’s on the market,” he said. “The last tournament in Qatar was a gift to myself. It’s something I’ve been saving up for years. We’ve had a second home for 27 years, so I felt it was the perfect time to make some money.”
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Andy Milne in the crowd cheering for England. (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Andy brings a World Cup replica to all England matches as many Three Lions fans request selfies with him. “I call it ‘Sophie the Trophy’ after my daughter,” said the England superfan and father of Laila, who turns 30 on Monday, and Sophie, now 27.
“I’m recognized everywhere and I’m recognized by the Scottish fans. Scots people always buy me drinks. One person for some reason gave me a pina colada, another bought me a rum and lime.”
Andy, a former Head of Science at Grange School in Northwich, attended his first World Cup in Spain in 1982 at the age of 19. He continued to support the team even after all his belongings were stolen. This was the beginning of an amazing journey as an England fan.
He has now played a number of matches for England’s Official Supporters Club, earning him ‘top capper’ status. This distinction allowed him to buy tickets for all of England’s group games in the United States, ensuring access until the final.
He joked, “I don’t really think I look like Steve McClaren, but in that photo I did!”
