A Blackburn Rovers fan who has been to every FIFA World Cup since 2002 said his USA journey has already been one to remember.
Paul Clegg is back at the World Cup again and, in recent years, has enjoyed watching England hit new heights compared to previous tournaments.
Paul, who always takes his Rovers flag with him, is in the States and watched England take on Croatia in Kansas City, Missouri, Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Two wins and a draw saw England finish top of Group L.
He now moves on to the next round as England face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul told us: “All the stadiums are amazing and England playing a World Cup in New York is the stuff of dreams.
“I loved meeting other fans from around the world, especially the South Americans and African fans. They are so full of enthusiasm, real football fanatics and always so friendly.
“And I have got to say the England fans out here are amazing too. I certainly wasn’t expecting these numbers.
“We took over every city and stadium we played in. It's fantastic scenes and it is all just a great atmosphere.”
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If England can get past DRC, a date in Mexico follows in the last 16, against either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador.
He said: “I can’t wait to get to Mexico City and the legendary Azteca Stadium.
“It's schoolboy dreams stuff, providing we both win our round of 32."
Paul said knockout football is only about winning and said England’s bench being one of the strongest could fare well for the Three Lions, particularly in the 34-degree heat of Atlanta and draining altitude of Mexico City, 7,000 feet above sea level.
“On the pitch, I think we have done just enough in the group games," Paul went on.
“But knockout football from now on is different gravy. Teams will come to play, and I believe that’s where we will step up.
"You need your big players to turn up at big tournaments, and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who fell short in Germany at Euro 2024 have definitely turned up here.
“When we start a game, I always look at our bench, and it fills me with so much confidence.
“It is expensive though, and we march on with tough games ahead, but in the words of Baddiel and Skinner – it never stopped me dreaming.”
England play DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, at the much more reasonable UK time of 5pm, after three post-watershed group games.
They drew with Portugal, lost to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan in the group stage to finish third in their group, but as the highest-ranked third-place team in the World Cup.
Among their squad is Burnley defender Axel Tuanzabe, plus West Ham's Aaron Wan Bissaka, Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku and midfielder Noah Sadiki, and Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa.
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