Meet Andy Milne, the England superfan who became an overnight sensation during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His wild celebrations caught the attention of viewers and his appearance was even compared to that of former England manager Steve McClaren. Milne, a member of the England Supporter’s Club, has been following the Three Lions for over 40 years and has become a household face among England fans.
In an interview with the i in 2022, Milne shared his experiences of following his country, explaining that he would often travel with a group of fans to the next game after England got knocked out. He had been saving for four years to attend the World Cup in Qatar, as it was the only full World Cup he could come to due to the small size of the country. Milne’s dedication and planning for this event spanned a remarkable 12 years.
Milne’s passion for England’s football team extends beyond the World Cup. He has attended no less than eight World Cups and even went to the Women’s World Cup to show his support for England’s women. When asked why he was so popular among fans, Milne humbly attributed it to his frequent appearances on television screens. He has witnessed no trouble at any of the tournaments he has attended and has had a fantastic time enjoying the atmosphere in the fan parks.
Now retired, Milne used to work as a teacher. In addition to being an avid supporter, he also enjoys betting on football matches and claims to be quite successful at it. He explained to the i that he is particularly skilled at football tipping on Asian handicaps, which has allowed him to make a substantial amount of money. His success in this area is evident from the number of accounts he has had, with some being closed at £15,000 and others as low as £1,200.
England fans have expressed their delight in seeing Milne gain recognition for his dedication. Many have praised him on social media, calling him a legend and an English icon. Some have even jokingly suggested that he should be made Prime Minister. Milne’s infectious enthusiasm and constant presence at England matches have made him a beloved figure among supporters.
As Euro 2024 progresses, fans will have the opportunity to continue following the tournament on both ITV and BBC. The group stages have concluded, and the knockout phase is set to begin. Both broadcasters will be showing the Last 16 matches, with ITV having the first three picks plus the fifth and seventh picks. BBC will then have the first and third picks for the Quarter-finals. ITV will have the first pick for the Semi-final, and both ITV and BBC will air the Final on July 14.
In conclusion, Andy Milne’s journey from a viral sensation during the 2022 World Cup to becoming a beloved England superfan is a testament to his unwavering support for the national team. His dedication, planning, and positive presence at tournaments have endeared him to fans across the country. As Euro 2024 continues, viewers can look forward to watching the matches on ITV and BBC, with both broadcasters offering comprehensive coverage of the tournament.