The New York-New Jersey Stadium buzzed with celebrity energy on Saturday night as England secured a 2-0 victory against Panama in their third World Cup game. Among the notable attendees cheering on the team were David Beckham, model Cara Delevingne, and actor Jason Sudeikis.
Beckham, a familiar face in the stands, was present to support his team as they progressed through the tournament. Delevingne showed her allegiance in a Three Lions jacket, while Sudeikis sported an England hat and team colors, a nod to his role as a soccer coach in the popular series "Ted Lasso." Scottish actor Gerard Butler also attended, reportedly expressing excitement to watch a match after Scotland's earlier exit from the World Cup.
Many of the celebrities joined thousands of England fans who traveled to the United States for the match. The late 10 p.m. local kick-off did not deter supporters, including the partners and family members of the England players, often referred to as WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends). Among them were Megan, wife of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Ellie, wife of Ollie Watkins, and Lauren Fryer, girlfriend of Declan Rice. Jude Bellingham's girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, and his parents were also in attendance.
Megan Pickford shared her game-day experience on Instagram, posting photos in her England shirt with their children, Arlo and Ostara. The presence of fans and their families underscored the widespread support for the team, even as they played away from home.
Fans experienced a vibrant atmosphere, with many venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn packed. Some notable establishments like Carragher's bar became hubs for supporters, complete with live music. Reports indicated that while some bars charged up to $10 for a beer, a venue in Hoboken, New Jersey, offered a $1 special, attracting a significant crowd.
The match, held at the 78,576-seat stadium, saw England top Group L with their win. Following the game, it was confirmed that England would face DR Congo in the last 16 of the tournament, with the match scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta. The team secured their top group position after a 2-0 victory, awaiting the outcome of other matches to determine their next opponent. The win against Panama, coupled with other results, meant they avoided a potential match-up with Senegal.
This victory marked a significant step for England in the World Cup, setting up a crucial knockout stage fixture.
