England fans have shared mixed emotions ahead of the World Cup semi-final against old rivals Argentina, expressing optimism tempered by concerns about Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against the defending champions at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Fans Spend Thousands on Tickets
Superfan Gary Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, told the Press Association he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match. Speaking outside the stadium, he said: "I've been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I'm mildly optimistic, to be honest. If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don't think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are. I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well. So I'm quite optimistic – I've spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed."
Colin Leslie, 63, originally from Salisbury, told PA: "I'm absolutely petrified. It's going to be a long trip home if it goes wrong." Asked if he was confident of a result, he added: "The same as every tournament – yes. And we've got a Bellingham so we should be all right, and we've got a Kane as a back-up for Bellingham, and I believe Mr (Declan) Rice might be joining us today."
Nervous Anticipation
Liam Pearce, 29, from Wiltshire, told PA: "I'm very nervous, it's the semi-final of a World Cup. It's a big game, it's a big rivalry, so it will be interesting to see how it goes." Mr Holliday conceded that he was "mildly concerned" about the threat posed by Argentina captain Messi. "You've got to be mildly concerned haven't you?" he said. "But Messi of four years ago is not the same player he is now. I think he looks brilliant against really, really average teams, and I don't think we're average – I think Elliot Anderson and Declan (Rice) will get around him and hopefully smash him."
Mr Holliday added: "I've been to every tournament since 2014 and I have literally waited my entire life to see England play Argentina." There is more at stake for him than many fans, as he said he has spent around £7,000 on a ticket for Sunday's final and hopes to see his team take on Spain.
Tuchel and Security Preparations
England manager Thomas Tuchel said his side were ready to face an Argentina team "fuelled by history" as they bid to reach a first men's World Cup final since 1966. He told reporters on Tuesday that much of the challenge would be preventing Messi from producing another moment of brilliance. Police in Atlanta have stepped up security in the days running up to the first World Cup knockout meeting between the nations since David Beckham's red card in England's dramatic last-16 exit in 1998. The Atlanta Police Department said extra officers and resources had been deployed around the city, with increased patrols planned around the stadium as well as "entertainment districts and other high-traffic areas."
Atmosphere at Home and Abroad
There was a raucous atmosphere at Boxpark in Wembley, north London, on Wednesday night, with fans packing out the venue to watch the crunch match. Hundreds of supporters could be seen wearing St George's flag bucket hats and they cheered boisterously as the team was announced. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham's names were celebrated particularly loudly. The crowd was treated to a performance of Incredible by M-Beat and sang along to Don't Look Back in Anger by Oasis. Before kick-off, fans belted out their teams' national anthems in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Among the stars at the match were Sir David Beckham and Lady Beckham, and former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson.
The first 25 minutes before the hydration break was cagey and littered with fouls and interruptions. Fans at Boxpark appeared relaxed during the break, having cheered every time Messi lost the ball and reacted loudly to each foul.
Revenge for 1986?
Supporters preparing to watch the semi-final had been mulling over Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal, 40 years after it knocked the Three Lions out of the 1986 World Cup – with some seeing the head-to-head as time for revenge. Mr Holliday said: "I don't think anything will truly be redemption for that after what happened. But the amount of pride we will take in knocking somebody out like this is immense." Chris Allen, 72, from Bradford, Yorkshire, told PA "it's revenge time – 1986, revenge time." "I think the guys are up for it," he said. "I think we've got a solid team and a good team spirit, so they'll be up for this game." His brother John Allen, 75, added: "It's 60 years since we've been in a final and it's Argentina so it's going to be a tough match, but I'm sure we'll get through." Asked if he was concerned about Messi, Chris added: "Just as much as we were about Haaland, but they stopped Haaland, right?"
Pubs and Police Prepare
At home, supporters are flocking to bars and fan zones to watch the match – with pubs expecting to sell six million extra pints on Wednesday. Police forces across England are also preparing for towns and cities to be busier, with Greater Manchester Police deploying extra officers across the area. Chief Inspector Chris Clarke, GMP's lead for the World Cup operation, said: "As stated from the outset, as England progress through the World Cup, we will increase our policing operation to ensure people can enjoy the tournament safely."
