England fans in Boston, ahead of the Three Lions' second Group L match against Ghana, are expressing strong optimism about the team's prospects, with some describing a feeling that 'something special' is happening with the current squad.
Fan Family Invests Heavily in World Cup Journey
Glenn Hawkins, 61, from Cholsey in Oxfordshire, along with his son Howard, 31, and daughter Eve, 28, have already spent £30,000 on their World Cup tournament journey. Dressed as three lions in Boston, the family shared their confident predictions for the match at Gillette Stadium.
Speaking about the Three Lions' chances, Mr Hawkins said: 'They'll win by two.' Eve added, 'At least,' while Howard predicted: 'Three for me – Harry Kane double, Rashford another one.'
When asked if this was the most optimistic he had felt during a major tournament, Glenn Hawkins said: 'I would say so, yeah. They're under a good manager – good players, good system, good manager.' Howard added: 'The first game really got it going – it went back home, big. There's something special happening for sure.'
Positive Energy and Direct Play Fuel Optimism
The family praised the current squad's energy and intent. Glenn Hawkins commented: 'I think we've got a really positive intent, there's an energy about the team. I think the manager's got a clear idea about what he wants to do and the support has been incredible, so much better than Qatar.'
Howard added: 'It's much better football. I think everyone says the same thing – we're forward, we're quick, we're aggressive, we've got wingers that are quick, everything's direct. When you find Kane it's in the back of the net, isn't it? Come on England.'
The family, who have attended every major tournament with England since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, described their journey so far: 'We started off in Mexico City for the opening match, then we went to Monterrey for Tunisia against Sweden, then to Dallas for the England game, then to Philadelphia for Haiti against Brazil, then we've come here,' Mr Hawkins said. Eve added: 'And hopefully a lot more to go.' Howard said: 'We're following until they go out, which is the final when they win it.'
Other Fans Share Confidence and Betting on Victory
Another family of England fans expressed belief that the Three Lions would beat Ghana 'pretty heavily'. Andy Chard, in his 60s and originally from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, said: 'We've got a good chance, I think 4- or 5-1, something like that. I think they'll score, but I think we'll beat them pretty heavily. It's English weather.'
Andy, who had the St George's cross painted on his face alongside Tim Chard, 39, from Sheffield, said: 'We've already bet money on it. Forty to 50 dollars, we're not that die-hard.' The pair paid $600 (£453) for tickets to the game. Andy noted: 'I think they have a good team, I like the manager. I'm not so sure about the defence, though. I think they're a bit dodgy every now and then – but we've got enough firepower to overcome that. They're just more purposeful and want to go forward rather than just passing the ball around and more focused.'
England's Strong Start and Fan Turnout
The Three Lions secured a statement 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas in their tournament opener, boosting fan confidence. More than 14,000 supporters are expected to have travelled to the Massachusetts city for the game, enduring high ticket costs, transport prices, and parking charges.
