An England superfan who put his second home on the market to fund his World Cup trip said he has no regrets.
Andy Milne, 63, of Northwich, Cheshire, who frequently appears on TV screens during England games, discussed the team's prospects on Tuesday.
“There’s always pressure on England. We’ve been waiting for 60 years now, we’ve got a great team,” he said from the Londoner Pub in Dallas.
“I think because most people rate the players in our squad and we’re ranked fourth best, and we’re seeded, people are thinking it’ll come home, but there’s a lot of good teams out there.”
As hundreds of England supporters gathered at the pub, Mr Milne said the traditional pre-match atmosphere had finally arrived.
“This is the first time that I’ve seen a proper collection of England fans,” he said. “We have been to a few gatherings and get-togethers, but it’s always the same – the night before a game there’s always a great get-together.
“People gravitate towards the same place. Yeah, it’s great.”
He added: “It has been a brilliant get-together. It’s great that so many people come to the same place.
“There’s a lot of English fans now and tomorrow we’re going to take over that stadium.”
While hopeful England can go on to win the World Cup, Mr Milne said experience had taught him to rein in his expectations.
“As long as we do ourselves proud, that’s good enough for me,” he said.
“I would love England to win it but I’ve had my hopes dashed over the last 60 years, so I’m just going to go and enjoy it, and enjoy it for what it is.”
Questioned on whether he regretted putting his second home on the market, Mr Milne said: “No, not at all.
“With some of the reporting I’ve been very flippant, but I’ve been careful with my money.
“I’ve written a book, it’s called That World Cup Guy, and the book’s selling really well, so that’s raising money to help pay for my trip as well.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
