Thousands of England fans have flooded into New York for the team's crucial World Cup group game against Panama, hoping to cheer their side into the knockout stages.
Flights from the UK were reportedly sold out as dedicated supporters crossed the Atlantic for the match at MetLife Stadium. The game was scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. local time, or 10 p.m. in the UK.
Venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn were packed with fans. Carragher's bar, a known haunt for supporters, saw "The England Band" perform, with renditions of "Don't Take Me Home" and "The Great Escape" met with loud cheers. While many establishments were charging around $10 for a beer, word spread of a bar in Hoboken, New Jersey, offering $1 beers, with one establishment even displaying a sign advertising the bargain "especially if you're British."
The 78,576-seat stadium, which has previously hosted concerts, was expected to be at least half-filled with England supporters. A notable contingent of Panama fans also made the journey, taking over Times Square with music, dancing, and flag-waving.
If England secures a victory, they are projected to top their group and advance to a match in Atlanta, Georgia. Potential opponents include Ecuador, Senegal, Portugal, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such a win could also set up a future encounter with co-hosts and favorites Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Fans have faced significant travel expenses, with train journeys from New York to the stadium costing as much as $98, a steep increase from the typical $20 round trip. Many supporters expressed a desire to recreate the atmosphere of England's opening match in Dallas, putting behind them the disappointing 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston.
Some fans, like merchandising manager Luke Carey, 25, from Watford, have been traveling across North America for a month. Carey described his journey, which included stops in Orlando, Dallas for a rodeo, and Nashville for its music scene, culminating in the Boston match and then New York. He noted the significant cost of his trip, estimated at £8,000 for tickets, travel, accommodation, and expenses, but expressed confidence in England's tournament prospects.
Other supporters, including Martin Dyson, 46, and his son Rex, 10, from Silsden, and Ciaran Robinson, 38, and his son Ollie, 9, from Lancashire, traveled from Boston to New York by train. These families took their children out of school for the trip, anticipating fines upon their return, citing the unique experience as a justification. Dyson mentioned attempting to get school permission in December for the trip, but received no response.
Beyond the football, many fans also attended the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden. The event featured players Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, who had recently won the darts World Cup. Gaming streamer Morgan Burtwhistle, known as "Angry Ginge," was also seen supporting Littler. While the England squad was invited to the darts event, they were unable to attend due to curfew restrictions.
Fans expressed a range of expectations for the Panama match, with some hoping for a significant win. Ben Leanse, 28, who works for West Bromwich Albion Football Club, hoped for a "three or four nil" victory, indicating his intention to travel to Atlanta if England advanced. Others, like Trevor Routledge, 66, from Sheffield, were more reserved in their predictions, anticipating England's exit in the quarter-finals, despite the considerable expense of the trip, which he described as nearly requiring a remortgage.
The England team was based in Montclair, New Jersey, approximately 15 miles from the stadium. Fans gathered outside their hotel to offer support, with one supporter seeing Jordan Henderson sign a jersey and return it.