Fan tempts fate in wildest way with £550 tattoo declaring England World Cup champions

An optimistic England fan has nailed his colours to the mast early by getting an England World Cup champions tattoo. But he also has back up plan if it all goes wrong.

Sean Carrington, from Manchester, has been proudly showing off his fate-tempting tattoo which feathures the trophy, with the words ‘England World Cup Winner 2026’ etched in capitals underneath.

The fan said he has had complete confidence in the Three Lions bringing back the ultimate football prize since England beat DR Congo 2-1.

Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in Standish managed to squeeze Sean in before England took on Norway.

‘I’m just impulsive really,’ he told the BBC.

‘The longer it goes on in your head the more you talk yourself out of it.’

He continued: ‘I’m glad really, as it’s a really good tattoo.

‘It’s not the end of the world, it’s just a tattoo.

‘I called the shop and they were busy but when I explained what I wanted the lady said ‘wow yeah I’ll fit you in’.’

Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against defending champions Argentina.

The old rivals go head-to-head at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium – and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.

Speaking outside the stadium in Atlanta, Mr Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I’m mildly optimistic, to be honest.

‘If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don’t think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are.

‘I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well.

‘So I’m quite optimistic – I’ve spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed.’