England fans were left fuming after being charged £13.50 for a beer at the pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Supporters who traveled to watch the Three Lions' warm-up match were stunned by the exorbitant drinks prices.
Beer prices spark outrage
One fan shared a photo on Reddit showing a premium beer priced at $18, approximately £13.50. Cocktails were nearly £20, while bottles of water, essential to combat the 33°C heat, cost almost £6. The prices were even higher than many pre-tournament warnings had suggested.
England won 1-0 thanks to a first-half header from Harry Kane. While the match did not impress supporters, the drinks prices certainly did, prompting widespread criticism online. One fan described them as 'scandalous,' while another called them 'absolutely unbelievable.' A third said, 'This is just the warm-up — imagine what they'll be like at the real thing.'
Additional costs for fans
Fans are already reeling from the cost of World Cup match tickets, accommodation, transportation to venues, and the US's 20% tipping rules. The high beer prices added to their frustration.
England coach Thomas Tuchel blamed the uneven pitch for the lackluster performance. 'It was very difficult to play on,' he said. 'We have no injuries and there were no concerns, but it was very uneven. It was difficult to move the ball quickly. When you have the ball for the majority of the match, it doesn't help you.'
Captain Harry Kane noted that the heat was not a major issue. 'To be honest, I don't think the heat's been too bad,' he said. 'We've been getting used to it in training. After the first couple of days, most of the lads were used to it. Today didn't feel terrible out there, so that talking point might be over spoken about.'
Kane, whose goal was his 67th for club and country, expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament. 'Playing for England is my favorite thing to do,' he said. 'I wear the shirt with immense pride, and the armband with immense pride, trying to set the right example for my teammates, the staff, and the fans. To lead another group into a World Cup is special. We go into it with high expectations, so I'm just excited for it to get going. I feel as good as I've ever felt, and it can't come soon enough.'
