England fans say ‘game’s gone’ after spotting bizarre scenes during Costa Rica friendly
England fans have claimed the ‘game’s well and truly gone’ after noticing what was going on during last night’s World Cup friendly against Costa Rica.
The Three Lions' final friendly hit a stumbling block before it began, with heavy rainfall delaying kick-off for an hour.
Ultimately, England were triumphant in Orlando, with Declan Rice scoring in just nine minutes, followed by a 68th minute penalty from Anthony Gordon and substitute Ollie Watkins adding a third just minutes before the final whistle.
However, fans watching at home were somewhat distracted from the on-pitch antics after noticing what was happening in the Inter&Co Stadium.
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As Rice was lining up to take a corner kick part-way through the game, viewers saw that pitch-side spectators were sitting at tables tucking into food mid-game.
Screenshots from the match were then posted online, where footie fans couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing.
“Front row in the England warm-up game and the fans are eating their dinner on tables,” @Footballtweet wrote sharing the image, and it quickly came to the attention of English football fans who were less than impressed and didn’t hold back.
“Game’s well and truly gone,” one said.
Another fan warned: “We are going to witness unprecedented levels of cringe this tournament.”
A third dramatically added: “This is what I imagine the death of the beautiful game would look like.”
Someone else fumed: “At a f***ing stadium there’s a round table and they’re eating! Not even inside the box!! Naaaah! This is not it!”
While someone else questioned ‘wtf is modern day football’.
However, the post also turned into a bit of a culture war with Americans hitting back.
“I know it’s strange for the English to see people acting civilized and calm at a football match, but you’ll get used to it…eventually,” one shot back.
Another seemed to agree, writing: “Wild idea that fans are allowed to eat and drink at their seats.”
Sit tight, guys - we’ve got five more weeks of this.
How much does it cost to attend the World Cup?
Football fans wanting to watch the games in person better have deep pockets. Here’s what flights, accommodation, tickets and food and drink will cost England supporters:
Getting there
If you fancied catching England’s opening game against Croatia next Wednesday (17 June), a return flight from London to Dallas, Texas would set you back around £700, according to Skyscanner.
The second and third games are a little cheaper to get to - £400 if you want to watch the Three Lions go up against Ghana in Boston on 23 June, and £500 to see them play Panama in New York on 27 June.
But now you need somewhere to stay.
Hotel costs
NBC has crunched the numbers on hotels, looking at the average for the five cheapest hotels within 15 miles of the station as of late last month.
In Atlanta for the opening match, the average hotel room is £350 for two nights, and that’s on the cheap side.
A hotel to watch the second game in the group stages in Boston will cost £725, and the third in New York will be £485.
Now to get your ticket for the game…
Ticket prices
Tickets for the opening game against Croatia are still available and going from £430, via Seatpick.
England vs Ghana will set you back at least £330, and the match against Panama £250.
I bet all that number crunching has made you thirsty…
Food and drink prices at the World Cup
Unlike in the UK, football fans are allowed to drink in the stands in the US, Canada and Mexico - if they’re made of money, that is.
Prices at a warm-up match between England and New Zealand at the Raymond James stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (6 June) might give an indication of what to expect in the World Cup proper, which is bad news for fans.
A large beer was advertised at $18.75 (£13.99), while just a bottle of water was priced at $7.50 (£5.60).
Meanwhile, according to Football Ground Guide, a basic meal and a beer will set you back $23.88 (£17.83) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where England’s first game will take place.
For England’s second game at the Boston Stadium (also known as the Gillette Stadium), according to Football 2026 hot dogs are going from £6.30, while burgers will set you back £10.45.
Meanwhile, a basic meal and a beer at the MetLife stadium for England’s match against Panama will cost you £24.87.
Claire Reid