Virgin Atlantic is facing accusations of imposing restrictive alcohol policies on flights carrying England football fans, with some passengers likening the measures to those of the 1980s and suggesting they were treated as potential hooligans. A passenger on a recent flight from Manchester to New York described the onboard announcement that alcohol would only be served during trolley services as "a bit rum." While Virgin Atlantic initially denied specific restrictions, they later stated that on "particularly busy" flights, staff "may announce that alcoholic drinks will only be served during cart services to ensure they can deliver the best experience possible for everyone."
This contrasts with the experience of Scotland fans on a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Miami, where passengers reportedly celebrated the flight being "drunk dry" of alcohol before landing.
In related news concerning the England squad, Tino Livramento's withdrawal from the World Cup due to a calf injury has unexpectedly provided a boost to young fans gathered outside the team's hotel in Kansas City. FA officials presented two of Livramento's un-used match jerseys to eager youngsters, who had been hoping for autographs from the team. Other players, including Reece James, have also been seen signing autographs for fans, and manager Thomas Tuchel has also interacted with locals.
Some England players, including Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka, have been observed playing basketball at their hotel, providing a recreational alternative to late-night World Cup matches.
Separately, the BBC's decision to reduce its on-site punditry and broadcast operations in the US for the World Cup, citing cost-cutting measures, has drawn attention. In Boston, Radio 5 Live personnel were reportedly broadcasting from a hotel reception area, leading to lighthearted commentary from other guests about the station's makeshift studio.
An unusual detail has also emerged from hotels housing FIFA officials, where World Cup-branded table football games feature an unconventional lineup of three goalkeepers and 12 players per side. This has led to speculation, framed as a joke, about potential future rule changes inspired by such designs.