England fans have said they are embracing Texas culture as they bought cowboy hats and boots ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup opener.
Supporters gathered in Dallas Fort Worth on Monday to soak up the atmosphere two days before England’s game against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington.
Russell, from Stoke-on-Trent, proudly showed off his new cowboy outfit and joked he would now have to wear it every day.
“We’ve got into the Texas spirit,” he told the Press Association.
“But I’ve got to wear this every day now, haven’t I?”
His friend Mitch laughed: “They haven’t bought them here, they’ve brought them over from Stoke.”
Russell replied: “They’re not coming off these aren’t.”
The group said they had travelled thousands of miles to follow England, with Mitch revealing he would briefly return to the UK before flying back to the United States.
“We’re flying back – we’ve got three days in Stoke and then back to Boston,” he said.
Asked why he was making the whirlwind return trip, Mitch added: “Just to see the kids, and for Father’s Day.”
His friend Simon said: “We’ve just got to do that little bit haven’t we.”
Mitch said the locals had made the trip particularly memorable.
“The Americans have been sound, we were drinking with them last night and they’re coming out with us today – brilliant,” he said.
Elsewhere in Fort Worth, another group of supporters said they had been priced out of following England deeper into the tournament despite regularly attending major competitions.
One fan, who gave his name as Chris, said: “We would usually do multiple games over a World Cup or a Euros but we’re only doing one game.”
His friend Matt added: “We could have all got a ticket to the final, but it was like five-and-a-half grand for a ticket so we’ve had to say no.
“If we get to the final it’s going to be a tough pill to swallow because we’re not going to be there.
“It’s the first time in eight tournaments we’ve not pre-ordered a final ticket,” he said.”
Fellow England fan Rowan said Fort Worth had proved an ideal place to experience the tournament atmosphere.
“We’re in Fort Worth, it’s a great experience, it’s unbelievable,” he said.
“We’re all in cowboy hats – they’re not doing that in Los Angeles or Boston.”
Dan Stapleton, 28, travelled to Texas with his father Mark as part of a wider American road trip which included football and sightseeing.
“It’s one way to spend Father’s Day,” Dan said.
Mark, 62, said: “Well that’s just part of it, it’s actually a much longer trip.
“We’ve already been to see the Dutch vs Japan game and then we’re obviously here for England vs Croatia.
“But then it’s part of a road trip – so we’re going to go to Nashville and New Orleans for a music break and then over to Philly and Boston.”
Dan said he had always wanted to visit Texas and had been fortunate to secure tickets before the draw was made.
Asked who planned the trip, Mark joked: “I wouldn’t have had any tickets really without my son being lucky in the draw – and then I was funding most of it.”
The pair also questioned the affordability of attending matches.
Dan said: “I’m not sure this is a tournament for the youngsters – or England fans or football fans in general to be honest.
“There will be people who will be unhappy with that.”
Mark added: “I have a friend who said he just bought some quarter-final tickets for just over £2,000 – so it is a bit expensive, let’s be honest.”
Instead, they had chosen to spend time exploring Texas itself.
“We came up to Fort Worth to see proper Texas,” Mark said.
Dan added: “Another England fan told us he didn’t want to spend 600 dollars (£447) on a ticket but decided to spend that money on coming to Fort Worth and just chilling here.”
