England football fans flocking to the World Cup in Texas have found themselves drawn into the country's gun culture, with a shooting range in Dallas reporting a surge in visitors from across the globe. The phenomenon has highlighted the stark cultural differences between the US and UK.
The DFW Gun Range and Academy in Dallas has seen a significant increase in international visitors since the tournament began, according to staff member Carlos Castaneda. He describes the facility as a melting pot of cultures, with fans from various nations coming together to try their hand at shooting. The coincidence of this influx with the arrival of England supporters is clear, with Mr Castaneda noting that "the last few days have been hectic" due to the numbers of visitors.
Matthew Connell, 28, from Preston, was among those who visited the range. He praised the experience as a unique opportunity for English fans to try something unavailable back home. However, he was keen to highlight the cultural differences between the two countries, noting that gun culture in the US is "just so normal" compared to the UK.
Despite enjoying his time at the range, Mr Connell was adamant that he did not want similar access to firearms in Britain. He cited the size of cars and the open discussion of guns as examples of the cultural disparities between the two nations. Staff member Carlos Castaneda praised the personable nature of England fans as customers, but refrained from making comparisons with other national groups.
Source: DFW Gun Range and Academy