America appears to have fallen in love with England – with both police and FIFA officials left stunned by the hometown support the Three Lions enjoyed in Dallas.
While around 15,000 fans crossed the Atlantic for the thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, significantly more than half of the 70,000 crowd at the AT&T Stadium was behind Thomas Tuchel’s men.
And, perhaps despite the best efforts of President Trump, it would appear that the Special Relationship is alive and well. Officials believe that a similar number to the travelling contingent was supporting Harry Kane and Co, with more of the same expected for the rest of the tournament. Significant groups of fans with American accents in England shirts were noticeable.
Daily Mail Sport also understands that zero arrests were made by Arlington PD, with England’s supporters impressing locals with their boisterous but mostly good-natured behaviour.
Police are expecting bigger numbers of travelling fans for the Three Lions’ next two fixtures, in Boston and New York. The increased availability of flights to both cities from the UK is a factor, along with a reduced journey time.
A return flight from Boston, which hosts Tuesday night’s fixture with Ghana, to London is typically around six-and-a-half hours.
England fans impressed FIFA officials and US police during Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Croatia
FA officials are delighted with the level of support England received in Texas, which far surpassed expectations. There had been concerns that FIFA’s notoriously inflated ticket prices could have significantly reduced numbers but that has not been the case.
There was also a large contingent of Japan supporters, who had seen their team play in Dallas against Netherlands, who also appeared to be backing the Three Lions.
Just three officers have travelled from the UK’s Football Policing Unit and there are no plans currently to increase that figure on the back of what was a positive experience in Texas.
Meanwhile, Tuchel’s men are likely to experience conditions similar to those of a pleasant English summer day on Tuesday. At kick-off, temperatures are expected to be around 23C, considerably cooler than the current heatwave at home, and with some chance of showers.
Ahead of their departure to the north east, many of England’s squad spent time at their Kansas City training base making video calls to family for Father’s Day.
