The Mirror has been granted exclusive access to England's headquarters for their 2026 World Cup campaign, and Americans living near the 54-room, £260-a-night property in Prairie Village, near Kansas City, are backing the team wholeheartedly.
Local Support for England
In Prairie Village, just outside Kansas City, flags and signs are already out for the team. The 26-man squad and backroom staff will be based at the Inn at Meadowbrook, a property set in its own beautiful grounds and parkland. The Football Association has taken over the entire hotel, which is now the epicenter of England's World Cup preparations.
Judi and Elvin Knight, who live in a stunning mansion right next to the hotel, have put up Union flags and are eager to meet the team at a cocktail reception for locals. "We are so excited to have the team here," said Judi, a proud mother and grandmother wearing an England shirt given to her for Mother's Day. "There is a group of people who live here who are all extremely close, and the Prairie Village community will all be behind England. It is great that they chose to come here, out of all the places they could have chosen in the US. They will get a really warm welcome."
Her husband Elvin, an 81-year-old NFL fan who follows the Kansas City Chiefs, admitted he does not know much about soccer but noted its growth in the US. "You see many kids playing it in the age group from around eight to 12 years old. That is why the World Cup is going to be so big in the US," he said.
Security Measures
Security is exceptionally tight around the England base. A no-fly zone has been enforced to thwart drone attacks, and armed police, security officers, and private guards patrol the perimeter. Meadowbrook Estate bosses wrote to 500 local residents outlining a three-tiered security plan, which includes Fifa and the US Department of Homeland Security securing the perimeter, enhanced presence by Prairie Village Police, and internal security. The plan states: "There will be a visible presence to protect both the visiting group and our neighbourhood from outside disruptions."
Police will escort England's team coach between the hotel and the nearby Swope Soccer Village training ground, which is ominously named Victory Field. Security officials prevented The Mirror from taking photos of the training complex, citing a ban on photography to prevent spying. All 48 teams are on alert for espionage, especially after a recent incident where Southampton were banned from the Championship play-off final for spying on Middlesbrough.
First England Fans Arrive
The Mirror met the first England fans in Kansas City: Stephen and Zena Willis from Swarland, Northumberland. Stephen, a 53-year-old retired Royal Regiment of Fusiliers veteran, and his wife Zena, 61, were both wearing Newcastle United tops as they took in the signs declaring the area 'The Home of England'. "We did not know that England were going to be based here when we booked. But we just had to come and have a look around. We are from Northumberland so we are big Dan Burn fans. We've got the Newcastle United shirts on because we love them. But we love England as well," Stephen said.
Hundreds of children from mini-leagues were nearby enjoying a kickabout in the sunshine. England will hope the name of their training base, Victory Field, is a good omen as they prepare for their opening match against South Africa.
Around seven million fans from around the globe are expected to travel to the three host countries: Mexico, the US, and Canada. Millions of expat fans will follow the Three Lions, alongside the good folk of Kansas City. Hundreds of fans in this 'hometown' for the tournament are set to cheer on England, just a stone's throw from the team hotel.
