Dave Thompson, a lifelong England fan and businessman from Kent, attended the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley with his father. Now, nearly 60 years later, he is in the United States dreaming of another England triumph, with a ticket already in hand for the final of the 2026 tournament.
Thompson, who owns Marine Travel, cannot recall much of the 1966 match except the noise, as he was very young. His late father, Keith, a semi-professional footballer, won two tickets in a raffle. Thompson has been to every World Cup since 2010, including South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and Qatar, and his current trip to the US, including travel and tickets, cost about £20,000.
He will return home for work after the group stage but plans to come back if England reach the final. Thompson is president and former vice chairman of Marine FC on Merseyside, an Everton season ticket holder, and a regular sponsor, travelling from his home in Canterbury.
Meanwhile, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is racing to be fit for the match against England after picking up a groin injury. He was replaced at half-time against Panama but has returned to light training, and goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar is hopeful he will play.
