Andy Milne, 63, the England fan known as “That World Cup Guy”, is selling his second home to fund a seven-week journey across the United States following the Three Lions – and his best mate Stuart Kenyon is staying for free at every venue thanks to a hotel chain's generosity.
Milne, a former teacher from Northwich, Cheshire, put the £350,000 property on the market after the Mirror revealed his sacrifice. Two viewings have taken place, but no offers yet. Hilton Hotels stepped in with an accommodation deal, meaning geography teacher Kenyon, 48, travels for free. “It is a tough gig but someone has to do it,” joked Kenyon. “We used to do school trips together abroad with the pupils before Andy retired. But this is something else. We have been so lucky.”
“Andy Milne is selling his second home to fund his World Cup trip; his friend stays free via Hilton.”
At a reception in the Hilton Dallas before England’s match, the pair mingled with American-based England fans. Kenyon added: “I had steak with shrimp last night and the accommodation makes such a difference. It is a great way of following England though Andy is working hard.”
Milne, who has attended every World Cup since 2006, is promoting his new book “That World Cup Guy” – the story of his travels to nine tournaments – and enjoyed an “England Night” at the Seven Doors Kitchen in Dallas. Both he and Kenyon hold £45 tickets through the official England fans’ club, a reward for loyal support. “This one has been hard work so far; everything is so far apart in Dallas, and fans really have to travel to get between places,” said Milne. “But the stadium is amazing and I think that I am quite close to the front. You have to enjoy every moment.”
Milne’s dedication began long before the US tournament. He shot to fame at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when a photo of him celebrating England’s 3-0 win over Senegal – clutching a replica Jules Rimet trophy – appeared in the Mirror. He said he “wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
The trip will take a personal turn after the tournament: with the birth of his first grandchild due in the summer, Milne will fly to Australia with his wife Achla, 63, to see daughter Laila. “Grandee Andy” is already planned. But if England were to win the World Cup, he would write new chapters for his book, crowning a lifetime of following the national side.