England fans were arriving in Dallas by planes, trains and cars ahead of the Three Lions' World Cup opener against Croatia. Supporters based in Spain, Scandinavia and Australia were making their way to Texas as the big kick-off finally arrived for England.
Fans Embark on Long Journeys
Sam Bannister, 41, from Leeds, has two tickets and is heading from Kansas City to Dallas overnight. He faced an eight-hour, 500-mile journey by road to arrive in time for the 3 pm local time kick-off. "It will be a road trip and we will share the driving," he said. "But we cannot wait."
Fan groups estimated that about 10,000 England fans will attend the match, and have warned about the high temperatures expected for the game.
Traveling Companions
Chris Thomas, 40, also originally from Leeds, is traveling with his best friend Sam Bannister. Chris, who sells traditional British pies with a street food firm called 'Brit Boy', now lives in Kansas City. He will have fellow Brit Kye Martey, another ex-pat, and his American wife Sandi for company in the car. "It is a mixture of excitement and trepidation now," he said. "I just hope England give it a good go. That is all you want as a fan. To see them give everything."
Exeter City Fan Travels from San Diego
Exeter City fan George Smith, a finance worker who now lives in San Diego, California, is traveling to the England group games. He will be meeting with Three Lions supporters based in Spain, Scandinavia and Australia. George, 42, is taking his son Charlie, 11, to the England games with him. He also plans to take his Mexican-born wife, Monica, to the famous Azteca stadium if England face her native country in the Round of 16. In total, George has spent around $7,000 (£5,178) on tickets for himself and his family, but the bill may rise to £12,000 depending on how far England progress.
