Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has flown to Miami to support England in their World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, but his presence may be a bad omen given he watched the 2018 semi-final loss to Croatia.
Jagger's World Cup journey
The 82-year-old rock legend told the Daily Star he believes England will defeat Erling Haaland's Norway. He jetted out on Thursday to cheer on Harry Kane and the team in person, admitting he is a "big fan" but trying not to get ahead of himself as fans hope for the first World Cup win since 1966.
Speaking at the launch of the new Stones album, Foreign Tongues, in London the night before, Sir Mick said: "They've got a good chance but I'll never say we're going all the way!"
Haaland challenge
England face Norway's star striker Erling Haaland in the quarter-finals. However, Jagger is confident Kane and the team have the experience to handle him: "I think we've got players who know what he's about."
Bad luck charm?
Sir Mick hopes he is not a bad luck charm, having witnessed England lose 2-1 to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow. He also endured his beloved Arsenal losing the Champions League final to PSG in Hungary a few weeks ago. "You can't blame me for Arsenal missing two penalties," he laughed.
Close ties with England stars
Jagger has become close to several England stars over the years, including David Beckham, who invited him to watch the Champions League final in his box. The rocker was unaware it was being documented for a show called Beckham & Friends Live. "So they're filming while the match is on, and asking me questions while Arsenal go on and score. So I felt obliged to cheer, that's probably the most lad-ish I've ever got at a match."
Family bonding
Football has become something Sir Mick enjoys sharing with his family, including sons James, 40, and Deveraux, 9. Referring to the recent Champions League match, he recalled: "I stood up and cheered and just off camera I could see was my eldest son holding up my youngest son!"
