England fans in Boston have said Three Lions supporters will struggle to match the atmosphere created by the Tartan Army as thousands descend on the Massachusetts city for their second World Cup game.
Scotland fans have been a hit with the locals following their opening two fixtures in Boston – with even some England supporters embracing the chant “no Scotland, no party”.
The city was quiet on Saturday morning, the day after Scotland’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco, and three days before England’s match against Ghana in nearby Foxborough.
England supporter John Kiely, 62, who has been in Boston for the past week, told the Press Association on Saturday: “They won’t be able to cap the Scots, no. It’s been excellent.
View 2 ImagesJohn Kiely and Tim Watters in downtown Boston(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
“It’s quiet today because they’ve all probably moved on now but it’s been buzzing here. It’s been amazing. They’ve had a proper party.”
His friend Tim Watters, also 62, from Kent, added: “It’s been really good. I’ve got a tune in my head now.”
Mr Kiely, a Liverpool fan from London, interjected: “No Scotland, no party.” “You wake up to that in the morning,” Mr Watters added.
Mr Kiely said the Tartan Army had caused no trouble during their time in Boston, adding that he hoped England would do the same.
Commenting on the Scottish fans, he said: “They’ve been great – there hasn’t been a hint of any kind of trouble with anyone or anything, it’s been brilliant. They’ve fully embraced it – we were out last night with them watching the game and it’s been great.”
He added: “I just hope that everyone behaves and has a good time, because as I say, the Scots have been brilliant.”
Despite criticism over increased transport costs during the tournament, Chelsea fan Mr Watters said he had found Boston relatively inexpensive compared with other US cities.
He said: “Everyone talks to you, everyone’s been friendly – we’ve not been ripped off with prices either, it’s not too bad. You go to some parts of America and you’re paying through the nose.”
Mr Kiely and Mr Watters said they watchaced England beat Croatia in the fan park in Boston’s city hall plaza. “It did feel like we were the only England supporters in there – everyone seemed to be supporting Croatia,” Mr Kiely said.
Article continues below
Questioned on whether he was tempted to fly back out to the US if England progressed into the latter stages of the tournament, he told PA: “Well, we’ll see what happens.”
Mr Watters added: “It’s all right if you’re single. I don’t think the wife would be too happy.”
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.