England fans remain confident the Three Lions will go far in the World Cup despite a “rather unexciting” 2-0 win over Panama.
Second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sealed top spot in their group, meaning they will play in Atlanta for the first round of the knockout stages on Wednesday.
Supporters were forced to endure heavy rain ahead of kick-off at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday – with many wearing ponchos and holding umbrellas.
The mood of the England faithful was not improved by a frustrating goalless first half.
Commenting on the first half, one fan who has tickets for England’s round of 32 fixture, which is likely to be against either Senegal or the Democratic Republic of Congo, said it left him thinking: “Do I really want to spend 500 bucks… to watch that?”
Adam Alfandary, 39, originally from London but now living in New York, told the Press Association: “It was rather unexciting, but we won. We’ve topped the group.
“I’m supposed to be going to Atlanta on Wednesday – I don’t know if I can make it because of work but I hope I can.
“I’ve got the tickets, I don’t know if I’m going to sell them or I’m going to keep them.”
Asked how he was feeling during the first half, he said: “I was thinking, do I really want to spend 500 bucks to fly to Atlanta to watch that? But I think I will.”
Questioned on what he thought of England’s chances in the tournament, he told PA: “With that defence, I’d be happy if we got to the round of 16 – the round of 16 in the Azteca, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
More than 15,000 England fans travelled to the match against Panama, with many once again heard booing the enforced hydration breaks in the middle of both halves.
After the Three Lions managed to secure top spot in the World Cup group, another supporter said he is contemplating a cheap trip to Atlanta for the knockout stages despite jokingly saying it might lead to a divorce.
Jonathan Pearce, from Derby, told PA: “We were looking at flights earlier and it was 40 dollars to Atlanta and then only £300 back home so, I might get divorced but I’m on about doing it.
“So I’m not sure she’ll be happy but the kids will appreciate it later on – ‘yeah, dad was a legend and he just stayed out’.”
Despite Mr Pearce saying he found a cheaper option, other fans pointed to the cost of following England at the tournament as to why they were not going to the first knockout game.
Tom Mayers, 46, who is originally from West London but now lives in the US, told PA: “It was a great result for England – they did the business.
“Harry Kane popped up with a header and job done. Onto the last 32.
“This has kind of cleaned me out going to see this so we’ll probably be down the pub to see the last 32.”
Commenting on England’s chances for the rest of the tournament, Mr Mayers said: “Improving, I still think they’ve got some work to do but I’m getting more confident.
“Once you get to the knockout stages anything can happen – you’ve got Harry Kane up front so who knows.”
Another supporter said he wished the game against Panama had been better because “I spent a lot of money on my ticket”.
Paul Cotterill, 58, who is originally from Basildon in Essex but now lives in New Jersey, said: “It was pretty much what I expected – as long as we won that was all that really mattered.
“I didn’t think much of it to be honest with you, I wish it had been a bit better. I spent a lot of money on my ticket.”
Asked for his thoughts on how England would do in the tournament, Mr Cotterill added: “What are my hopes? Yes, it’s coming home. We’re going to win – absolutely, I love it. It’s coming home 100%.”
Many England fans said the game against Panama was tougher than they expected.
Alex Addison, 38, from London, said Panama “looked better” but added: “We’re out of the group… life goes on”.
He said: “It was good. It was a battle in the first half but they looked like they were going to create.
“Then finally they pulled through and created the chance and bang – a couple of goals and everyone is happy.
“To be fair I think Panama should have scored – they looked better than we did.
“But we’re out of the group, top of the group, life goes on.”
Asked if he was going to the match in Atlanta for the round of 32, Mr Addison said: “For myself, I would love to, but I’ve got a flight home tomorrow and then I’d love to come back – maybe not the next round but in a couple of rounds.
“We’re going all the way, its coming home.”
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