England supporters packed out The Londoner Pub in Dallas on Tuesday night before Thomas Tuchel’s side began their World Cup campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium.
Hundreds of travelling fans gathered in the Texas city ahead of Wednesday evening’s match, with St George’s flags, fancy dress and familiar England chants filling the venue.
10 YEARS ON: Aside from Harry Kane, how many players would get into the current England team?
Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to score a 93rd minute winner!
The event grew so large that staff and police asked fans to leave before 10pm, despite the pub having advertised a later closing time.
England fans forced to leave Dallas pub after capacity issue
The Londoner Pub was cleared after the venue reached maximum capacity, with police later confirming that only two security guards were on duty.
Many fans moved onto the balcony outside and stayed there for a further period, singing and chanting while Dallas Police Department vehicles lined the road below.
The pub still enjoyed a huge night of trade. It sold 2,352 bottles of beer and more than 5,000 beers in total, bringing in more than £30,000 during the evening.
A number of England supporters stayed at the end of the night to help bar staff clear up after the gathering.
Travelling supporters build atmosphere before Croatia match
The event was organised by Bristol supporter John Gallivan, who said the size of the United States made it harder for fans to find a central meeting point than at tournaments in Europe.
Gallivan said the aim was to choose one pub, arrange a beer deal and spread the word online so England fans in Dallas had somewhere to gather.
The response went beyond expectations, with fans arriving from the afternoon and continuing to fill the venue through the evening.
England begin their campaign under Tuchel with major expectations around the squad. Harry Kane has described the tournament as one of England’s strongest opportunities to win a major trophy.
Cost remains a concern for England fans in America
Gallivan also raised concerns about the cost of attending the tournament, saying many regular travelling supporters had been priced out of making the trip.
He said fans who had followed England to other away fixtures in Europe were unable to travel to the United States because of the expense involved.
Despite that, he said England fans had been warmly received in Texas and rejected the idea that the travelling support had been unwelcome.
Gallivan is already looking ahead to England’s next group match in Boston, where he hopes to organise another meeting point for supporters.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
