THE THREE LIONS’ FOREIGN LEGION
Footie world joining in to back our lads
NEARLY 50,000 supporters are set to cheer England at their World Cup semi-final – thanks to a United Nations of new fans from around the globe.
Just under 10,000 are expected to make the journey from England to Russia to back the team.
But Gareth Southgate’s stars can expect more than half of the 81,000 crowd to be cheering them on.
For fans from dozens of other countries have taken the Three Lions to their hearts due to their bravery and attacking play.
A survey showed 35% of Russians were now supporting England.
That foreign army of supporters will be packed inside the stadium for the showdown with Croatia in Moscow.
Football-mad Ahmed Shankar travelled from Toronto, Canada, to cheer on Harry Kane and his side.
He is making the 10,000-mile round trip with dad Sundaram.
Ahmed said that England’s victory over Sweden in the quarter-final had made him “the happiest man on Earth”.
“To come all this way and see England do well, it is just amazing,’’ he said. “I was lost for words.’’
Businessman Nabeel Anappadikkal flew in from Dubai to support England.
“I love them and I really think they can win,’’ said Nabeel.
IT workers Dmitri Tolmachev and Gulina Ivanova from Russia, both switched their support to England after the host nation was knocked out by Croatia.
Gulina said: “I love them. “They are a really young team and so nice. All of us are supporting England.
“We know things may not have been good between our leaders.
“But this isn’t politics – this is football.” And the most famous Russian fan of all – supermodel Natalia Vodianova who has been the face of the World Cup – revealed her new favourites. “I want to give the trophy to England,’’ she said.