England fans are “optimistic” but expecting the Three Lions to face a “tough” World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
More than 10,000 supporters from the UK descended on the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami before the match kicked off amid stifling temperatures.
Outside the stadium, fans told the Press Association they were cautiously optimistic that England would win despite concerns about Norway striker Erling Haaland’s talent for hitting the back of the net.
Brothers Doug and Matt Rose, from London, said they were confident England would make it through to the semi-finals even with the added challenge of Miami’s hot and humid weather.
Doug, 36, predicted a 4-0 win for England: “We’ve got the players, it’s our time. Football’s coming home.”
Asked if Norway would be England’s toughest test to date, he said: “I think they will be, but I think that we’re going to see in this game the England team really come together, put a really good performance in and scare whoever they’re going to play next.”
He added: “I think we’re going to get through this game and go into Wednesday feeling really good about our team.”
Matt, 31, was less sure, saying: “I think 2-2 and then England to win on penalties.”
Matt said Haaland has looked “unbelievable” in the tournament so far.
“I mean, Haaland looks unbelievable. Their whole team – they look great.
“So, I think it’s going to be a tough test.”
Max Gill, 27, from London, told the Press Association he was “relatively confident, but a bit wary of Haaland on the counter”.
“So, maybe 1-0 and then just sit back after.”
Terry Rose, 68, from Huddersfield, who was wearing a waistcoat covered in England flags, said England manager Thomas Tuchel “has done really well so far”.
Ryan Dougan, 27, from Birmingham, said he was confident of an England victory but added: “It’s going to be a tough game.
“They’re in form, they got a great result against Brazil, Haaland’s obviously bagging a lot of goals at the moment.
“But I think the Mexico game is huge for us, and I think the only way is up now. So I’m saying 2-1 England.”
He told PA: “I’m getting bullish.
“I don’t think, France aside, I don’t think anyone’s looked significantly better than us.
“We’ll deal with France if we get them in the final, but I think we can beat anyone.
“One game at a time, let’s go.”
Poppy Lawrie, 22, from Brighouse in West Yorkshire, said: “I think we’re going to smash it.
“We’re going to go straight through to the semis, straight through to the final, and we’re bringing it home as well.
“I think there was a bit of doubt in the group stage, but they’ve done amazingly to get where they have now, and I think we’re going to make it all the way.”
In London, jubilant football fans wearing St George’s flag bucket hats packed out Boxpark in Wembley, where they sang football chants and songs as they prepared for the match.
Mark Bowring, 52, has travelled from Buckinghamshire to the north-west London venue with his two sons to watch the game on the big screen.
The business owner, who arrived at 6.30pm, said he has watched the last four matches at Boxpark due to its “atmosphere”.
He told PA: “If you can’t get to the game it’s got to be the best place to watch it.”
Fans went silent – and some put their heads in the hands – after Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup scored a goal in the 36th minute.
But their disappointment was replaced with celebration after Jude Bellingham scored an equaliser just moments before half-time.
Elated fans launched their pints into the air, cheered loudly and jumped around before singing a rendition of Hey Jude.
Number 10 Downing Street had been decorated with St George’s flags ahead of the match.
Victory over Norway would send England into a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday.
A silence was held before the match to honour South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams who has died aged 25, just weeks after featuring in all three of his country’s group matches at the World Cup.
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