Express reporter Zak Garner-Purkis, reporting from the World Cup in the United States, describes the growing enthusiasm for soccer in a Texas town. He attempted to teach locals the famous England anthem 'Football's Coming Home' and captured their stunning reactions.
Texans Unaware of England's World Cup Bid
In Burleson, a quiet town near Arlington where England faced Croatia in their opening match, many residents were oblivious to the tournament. Justin Maguire joked, 'I stopped thinking about England in 1776,' referencing US independence. He had watched the US match against Paraguay but didn't know England was playing nearby.
At the Spice Rack bar, patron Brandon knew of the World Cup but couldn't name England players, only recalling 'a tall dude with long blond hair, called Haw-something'—likely Erling Haaland. Barmaid Zoe admitted she knew 'literally nothing' and asked if the World Cup was 'like a three-day thing.' She noted the bar was packed for the US game, saying, 'We're very much Go USA.'
Explaining 'Football's Coming Home'
When Zoe learned England had only won the World Cup once in 1966, she reacted with sympathy. 'Ohh,' she said, capturing the sadness of England's near misses. The song's meaning—that England invented football and wants to bring the trophy home—was a new concept.
A Surprise Chelsea Fan
Photographer Alex stood out. He followed soccer during missionary work in Africa, became a Chelsea fan, and named his daughter Beckham after David Beckham. 'I guess that gives me some England points,' he said. The article muses that if England succeeds, Texas might see baby Kanes.
