England fans are already furious at prices of beer ahead of World Cup
There's just a few days until the World Cup officially kicks off and it's going to be a very expensive few weeks for the travelling fans.
If the travel, tickets, accommodation and food wasn't already enough for lucky football fans, then it seems as if the US in particular are on a mission to bankrupt anyone who likes to enjoy the game with a beer.
Thomas Tuchel's side took on New Zealand in a warm-up game in Florida last night, with Harry Kane's goal the difference, and it's understandable that match-going fans might have needed an alcoholic beverage considering the performance against a team ranked 85th in the world.
England fans certainly have a reputation for having one too many while abroad, so much so that they've been singing an iconic anthem wrong all this time, and considering there was no alcohol sold at the last World Cup in Qatar, it's understandable why some fans might be extra determined to enjoy themselves this time around.
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Although they were warned ahead of time about the prices of alcohol, yesterday's friendly at the Raymond James Stadium in Florida really hammered home just how expensive it's going to be.
One domestic large beer cost $16.75 (£12.50) while a premium large beer cost an astonishing $18 (£13.44), which you wouldn't even see in London.
What's even worse is that these weren't even premium pints, but simply lukewarm cans of beer, so it's easy to see why a lot of fans won't have been too impressed with the selection.
After journalist Mike Keegan shared an image of the extortionate drinks menu, fans came out in hoards to complain about it, with the whole tournament appearing to be something of a money-grab, considering FIFA recently cancelled the few free tickets they had given away.
One fan said: "So glad I’m safely tucked up at home. I’ll keep my cash in the bank. Cheers."
Another added: "£13.50 for a pint? Yeah it might be a sober world cup for most after those flights, hotels, tickets and other expenses."
A third wrote: "That's scandalous it's dearer than Disney."
Of course, American prices often annoyingly don't have the VAT included, while for some reason you're probably also expected to tip the person who hands you a can, since their bosses don't pay them enough in wages.
Even if you have embraced sobriety, you're still paying a pretty hefty $8.75 (£6.50) for a water, so you'll still be stretched unless you're making millions.
So, while it's likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the match-going fans, it's probably fair to suggest that many of us will be happier watching in the pub back in England.
James Moorhouse