An England fan has taken his optimism to the extreme by getting a tattoo that declares the team World Cup champions before the semi-final. Sean Carrington, from Manchester, had the tattoo done at Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in Standish, featuring the trophy and the words 'England World Cup Winner 2026' in capital letters.
Carrington said his confidence has been unshakable since England beat DR Congo 2-1 in the quarter-finals. He managed to get an appointment before the team faced Norway, explaining his impulsive decision to the BBC: 'I'm just impulsive really. The longer it goes on in your head the more you talk yourself out of it.'
Fan's backup plan
Carrington acknowledged the risk but remains unfazed: 'It's not the end of the world, it's just a tattoo.' He added that the studio was initially busy, but when he explained what he wanted, the receptionist said, 'wow yeah I'll fit you in.'
Thousands descend on Atlanta
Thousands of England supporters have arrived in Atlanta ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against defending champions Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Superfan Gary Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.
Speaking outside the stadium, Holliday said: 'I've been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I'm mildly optimistic, to be honest. If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don't think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are. I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well. So I'm quite optimistic – I've spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed.'
Other news
Ant and Dec have vowed to remake their iconic 2002 music video if England win the World Cup. Meanwhile, fans are questioning why Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden are not playing for England at the tournament. Referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed for the England vs Argentina match, with some noting his potential good omen for Lionel Messi.
