England supporters arriving in Port Elizabeth for Wednesday's crucial World Cup match against Slovenia are bracing for what they fear could be a 'Black Wednesday'—an early exit from the tournament. The faded seaside town, founded by British settlers in 1820, feels familiar with its colonial buildings and pier, but fans are angry at the team's lacklustre performances so far.
Many fans, who have spent thousands to travel to South Africa, feel the highly paid players have lost touch with reality. John Terry's complaints about boredom at the training complex and Wayne Rooney's criticism of booing supporters have been seen as arrogance. One supporter said, 'I wish I could get paid their money for sitting around a hotel all day and then playing the odd game of football.'
While players donate their match fees to charity and receive only a share of commercial revenue, fans remain unconvinced. The team faces the prospect of being the first England side since 1958 to fail to reach the knockout stages. Manager Fabio Capello's hardline approach, including a public rebuke of Terry, has raised questions about whether he has alienated key players.
Port Elizabeth, reminiscent of Hastings or Eastbourne, could become another destination on England's World Cup tour of misery, joining Gelsenkirchen, Shizuoka, and St Etienne. The outcome on Wednesday will determine whether England's campaign ends in disappointment or a renewed sense of hope.
