An England fan who travelled to the United States for the World Cup without pre-booked tickets has revealed he has spent more than £10,000 to support the national team. Ed Faulkner, a dedicated Hull City supporter, is currently en route to Atlanta to witness England's semi-final clash against Argentina on Wednesday.
Faulkner, who is attending his 12th major tournament to follow England, explained that he had to acquire tickets for matches through third-party providers, leading to the substantial expenditure. Despite the high cost, he maintained that the experience has been "worth every penny, honestly," describing his time at the tournament as "absolutely magnificent."
The travelling supporter also praised the reception from US fans, noting how they have "embraced" international visitors. Faulkner highlighted this as a unique aspect of his tournament experiences, stating it was "something that I've never really encountered before [while] following England." He added that he was surprised by the football knowledge of many US residents he encountered, particularly their awareness of Hull City's recent promotion to the Premier League.
Faulkner previously garnered attention when a customised flag, representing both Hull City and England, went missing from a bar in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during England's last-32 match against DR Congo. Despite appeals for its return, the flag remains unfound as he continues his journey to the semi-final.
England's progression to the semi-finals marks a significant moment for the team and their supporters. The match against Argentina in Atlanta will be a crucial fixture as they aim for a place in the World Cup final, with fans like Faulkner demonstrating immense dedication to cheer them on.