Fans believe England have changed – and now have a chance

Fans believe England have changed and now have a chance, reported Henry Winter in his World Cup Diary on July 13, 2026. Winter described his experiences in Miami, where he met passionate England supporters amidst a lively atmosphere at bars on Miami Beach. The gathering consisted of fans aged 35 to 60, whose club affiliations ranged from Wimbledon to Manchester United.

These supporters reflected on the difficult history of the England team, recalling the disheartening eras of the 1970s through the 2000s. They have witnessed ups and downs, from the emotional peaks and valleys of tournaments past orchestrated by previous managers to the current optimism under Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel.

Winter noted the change in perception as fans recognized Jude Bellingham's impactful performance, expressing a belief that the team has evolved. England, now designated as the "home" team for their match in Atlanta against Argentina, plans to wear their white kit, while Argentina will don their blue strip.

The article highlighted the historical context behind the blue kit that Argentina will wear, recalling significant moments in football history, such as the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal by Diego Maradona in 1986.

Discussions among fans continued, particularly surrounding the match's officiating and a heated exchange concerning Norway’s exit from the World Cup. Alfie Haaland, a former international player from Norway, reacted to Winter’s commentary on social media, expressing frustration over perceived inconsistencies in refereeing during their match against England.

England fans, gathered at the stadium, made their presence known with chants, showcasing their true passion for the team, a sentiment shared even by American fans of English heritage.

In an anecdote that reflected on personal connections and broader themes of nostalgia and migration, Winter recounted an encounter with a young man at Kansas City International Airport, who was returning to Micronesia for a poignant personal tribute.

Winter’s diary served as a rich tapestry of experiences, highlighting not just the fervor of England fans, but also moments of cultural intersections during the World Cup. With a sense of hope and renewed belief surrounding the team, many are eager to see how far England can progress in the tournament.