An enthusiastic group of England fans living abroad are preparing to journey to the World Cup this summer, coming from various corners of the world to support their favorite team. Fans from Australia, Scandinavia, Europe, and the United States are set to unite, with many forming friendships during the Euro 2020 quarter-final victory over Ukraine in Rome last year. Among them is George Smith, a devoted Exeter City fan who now resides in San Diego, California with his family.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, George shared, “There was a significant ex-pat presence at the Euros match in Rome, and we have stayed connected since then. I am excited to reunite with friends from around the globe, including those from Spain, Scandinavia, and Australia.” Additionally, he mentioned the substantial number of England supporters in the US, particularly in states like Florida, California, and New York, where a large British ex-pat community exists.
Highlighting the growing interest in English football in the US, George noted the surge in Premier League fans drawn to the national team, attributing part of this trend to NBC’s coverage of live games starting in 2014. He emphasized the vibrant atmosphere in bars during Premier League matches in San Diego, despite the early kick-off times, and mentioned the influence of Hollywood personalities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on Wrexham FC.
George, accompanied by his son Charlie, is eagerly anticipating the World Cup games and plans to take his wife, Monica, to the Azteca stadium if England faces her native Mexico in the Round of 16. Having invested approximately $7,000 (£5,178) in tickets for the tournament, George is prepared for the costs to potentially reach £12,000 depending on England’s progress.
Expressing disappointment at the high ticket prices, George declined the discounted tickets offered by FIFA, emphasizing his hope for an exceptional World Cup experience despite the financial challenges. He acknowledged the diverse fan base in the US and anticipated a lively atmosphere for the England matches, even though he cautioned about the expensive concessions at the stadiums.
