An England superfan has kicked off at the USA for playing water break shows and FIFA for only handing ‘4,000 tickets’ to Three Lions supporters in an 80,000 seat stadium.
Sammie Bell, who has followed the national team home and away for the last 20 years, is out in the states for the World Cup.
The 30-year-old spent just £3,100 on her dream journey across the states – spending just over £200 on her ticket to England’s opener.
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Despite the ground having a capacity of 80,000 seats, Sammie claimed that FIFA only allocated 4,000 tickets directly to Three Lions fans.
She also slammed the states’ decision to put shows on during the controversial hydration breaks, as reported by What’s The Jam.
“Can somebody tell the Americans we do not need a show during the hydration break,” said Sammie, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
“That’s just not football.
“It’s still mad to me that FIFA only gave England around 4,000 tickets.
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“The rest seem to have gone on corporate, locals and tourists willing to spend thousands.
“The England fans that did get in though were brilliant.”
On 17 Jun, Sammie and her family travelled over to Texas Live alongside thousands of supporters.
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The group got in the mood with chants and beers before making the short walk over to the ground.
The size of the stadium, home to NFL side the Dallas Cowboys, left the Brit stunned – as did the drink prices.
She said: “This place is absolutely huge, you don’t realise how big it is until you’re stood outside.
“The drinks prices were about what you’d expect at this point.”
A pint of American beer was priced at a jaw-dropping £12 ($15.95) whilst the import or craft lagers set fans back £12.84 ($16.95)
Even a 600ml bottle of water was being sold for an astonishing £6.25 ($8.25).
The die-hard supporter witnessed Tuchel’s side kick off their tournament with a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia.
After attending the friendly matches the win was the official start of her journey state-to-state following England.
The savvy Brit spent just £3,100 on her World Cup trip to follow England state to state – with her flights costing just £150.
Despite the towering costs of the tournament putting a number of supporters off – the lifelong Spurs fan has managed to save a pretty penny on her trip.
“Compared to what I’ve seen online, I think that’s pretty good going.
“I’m spending nearly four weeks around America, following England around the biggest sporting event in the world.
“Now I just need to survive a month of airports, suitcases and travelling around America – I can’t wait.”
Sammie’s travel, match tickets and accommodation cost has tallied up to just £3,100.
The football mad fan has even revealed a secret hack she used to book her flights to the states for just £150 all in.
She said: “One of my biggest money saving tips is using my credit card points with British Airways to pay for my return flights to America.
“So I’m flying to Tampa and returning home from Boston and the flight only cost me £150.”
Sammie, whose first England match was against Andorra at Old Trafford on 2 Sep 2006, is also part of the supporters’ travel club.
Since lockdown, the partnerships and events co-ordinator has been following the Three Lions abroad – which has also given her access to cheaper tickets.
Sammie added: “I’m part of the England supporters travel club, which means I got my friendly tickets for £23 (New Zealand) and £28 (Costa Rica).
“And my World Cup group game tickets were $220, $220 and $265 for the game against Croatia.”
During her trip she will be travelling through six states, 10 cities all whilst taking just four flights.
On 5 Jun, Sammie jetted over from London to Florida for the pre tournament friendlies before she headed to Dallas for the group opener.
She will then be visiting Houston, New Orleans, Boston and New York.
Fortunately the fan has been able to spread the cost of accommodation with her pals as they are travelling in a group of seven.
She said: “We are also travelling as a group so our accommodation is split between five and seven people.
“Which has obviously helped us keep the cost down – my portion of the accommodation came to just over £1,300.”
England’s first match will take place on 17 Jun against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
Sammie is feeling quietly confident about the lads’ chances at the World Cup.
She said: “I think we will do well, although for me I think France are the team to beat.
“Another last minute goal from Ollie Watkins to take us into the final like the Euros would be brilliant.”
Sammie’s trip cost breakdown is as follows:
- Match tickets: £575
- Flights: £150
- Accommodation: £1,330
- Other expenses: £1,045
Total: £3,100
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