England 'superfan' Garford Beck can follow the Three Lions all the way to this summer's World Cup final for the princely sum of £356.88. The $60 seats for the eight games, currently £44.61 each, are a reward for his loyalty to the cause. His enviable England record stretches back to his first ever game against Scotland in February 1972 when he was just nine years old.
Garford will be attending his eighth World Cup in the USA, having previously travelled to Qatar, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Japan and France. He has rarely missed a game since 1980, earning him 'Top Capper' status as a member of the England Supporters Travel Club. His loyalty was recognised with the offer of $60 tickets for all eight matches England need to win to become world champions for the first time since 1966.
Despite the bargain, Garford admits he does not feel the same level of anticipation for this summer's tournament. 'I have spoken to other fans who feel the same way,' he said. 'I believe that the fans are being ripped off, and so you feel complicit.' Only 600 of the 30,000 members have secured $60 tickets for the final.
Garford also manages the England fans team, which has played against other nations before big tournaments. He recalls his first England game, a 2-2 draw against Scotland in 1972, and has seen every England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. He said: 'I will never forget that first game more than 50 years ago... Mike Channon scored twice, Kevin Keegan was playing, and Jock Stein, Matt Busby and Sir Alf Ramsey were there.'
Garford has chosen his all-time favourite England XI, which includes Peter Shilton in goal, Bryan Robson as captain, and Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle in midfield. He also includes Harry Kane, describing him as 'a goal machine'. He said leaving out Bobby Moore was the most difficult decision.
