England fans descended on Boston in full voice, nearly drinking the city dry ahead of their crucial World Cup match against Ghana. Three Lions supporters were forced to clear their minds early after police booted them out of bars across the city at 10pm. No arrests were reported, but there were tongue-in-cheek clashes of banter with Scotland fans also staying in the area for their match against Brazil.
Police Enforce Curfew on Celebrations
Videos on social media showed groups of Boston police officers outside pubs such as The Dubliner, which became a hub for the Tartan Army, with England fans streaming out onto the streets. Paul Brown shared a video claiming that at 10pm on Monday, Boston police “locked down the majority of the pubs” where the English fans were drinking.
Reports indicated that pubs had been ordering extra fridges to prepare for the British influx, and fans were in good spirits ahead of kickoff.
Jeremy Clarkson Gives Away Tickets
Jeremy Clarkson gave away two free tickets ahead of the match. He told The Sun: “I didn’t fancy getting soaked at my first England World Cup game so I decided to treat someone without tickets. I offered them first-come-first served to any England fans in Boston and they went almost immediately to two lads who couldn’t believe their luck. It was great to treat them and I hope they’re enjoying Boston as much as I am. The atmosphere has been terrific. I got chatting to them and found out they’re from Selby in Yorkshire about eight miles from where I was born so that’s a bonus.”
Devoted Fans Spent £30,000 on Trip
A father and his two children, who have already spent £30,000 following England, believe “something special” is brewing with this squad. Glenn Hawkins, 61, from Cholsey, traveled with son Howard, 31, and daughter Eve, 28—all dressed as lions—as they soaked up the build-up in Boston before England’s clash with Ghana. They backed the Three Lions to deliver. “They’ll win by two,” said Glenn. “At least,” Eve added. Howard went bigger: “Three for me – Harry Kane double, Rashford another one.”
Glenn admitted this is the most confident he’s felt at a major tournament: “I would say so, yeah. They’re under a good manager – good players, good system, good manager.” Howard added: “The first game really got it going – it went back home, big. There’s something special happening for sure.”
The Oxfordshire trio were full of praise for Gareth Southgate’s side. “I think we’ve got a really positive intent, there’s an energy about the team,” Glenn said. “I think the manager’s got a clear idea about what he wants to do and the support has been incredible, so much better than Qatar.” Howard agreed: “It’s much better football. I think everyone says the same thing – we’re forward, we’re quick, we’re aggressive, we’ve got wingers that are quick, everything’s direct. When you find Kane it’s in the back of the net, isn’t it? Come on England.”
The die-hard fans have followed England to every major tournament since Brazil 2014—and this trip has already cost a small fortune. “We started off in Mexico City for the opening match, then we went to Monterrey for Tunisia against Sweden, then to Dallas for the England game, then to Philadelphia for Haiti against Brazil, then we’ve come here,” said Glenn. Eve added: “And hopefully a lot more to go.” “We’re following until they go out, which is the final when they win it,” Howard said.
And the bill? “Don’t, because the wife’s watching. I paid for three, and I’m already £30,000 deep,” Glenn joked. Even drinks are eye-watering. “Ninety-seven dollars (£73) it just cost me for six cans of Stella,” Eve said. “It is what it is and we love it,” Howard added.
Another Family Predicts Heavy Win
Another England-supporting family reckons Ghana will be swept aside. Andy Chard, in his 60s and originally from Stevenage, predicted: “We’ve got a good chance, I think 4- or 5-1, something like that. I think they’ll score, but I think we’ll beat them pretty heavily. It’s English weather.” Andy, sporting a St George’s Cross on his face, was joined by Tim Chard, 39, from Sheffield. “We’ve already bet money on it. Forty to 50 dollars, we’re not that die-hard,” Tim said. The pair paid around 600 dollars (£453) for tickets at Gillette Stadium. “We bought them on the Fifa site, we didn’t want to take a chance,” Andy said.
Despite a slight concern at the back, Andy believes England have the firepower. “I think they have a good team, I like the manager. I’m not so sure about the defence, though. I think they’re a bit dodgy every now and then – but we’ve got enough firepower to overcome that. They’re just more purposeful and want to go forward rather than just passing the ball around and more focused.”
England kicked off with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas—and optimism is building fast. More than 14,000 fans are expected to descend on Massachusetts for the Ghana game—despite soaring ticket prices, travel costs and parking fees.
