Russia to England fans: We’re kind, friendly .. and don’t drink vodka all the time

ENGLAND fans in the Russian city hosting their team’s first 2018 World Cup match are being given leaflets reassuring them about their safety.

The welcome pamphlets, handed out by volunteers, tell supporters arriving at Volgograd’s airport: “We are the same people like you are. And no, Russians don’t drink vodka all the time.

“The Russians are kind, friendly and hospitable people, always ready to help.” The leaflets claim several myths about Russia have been allowed to fester.

The Three Lions fans have been dubbed “Dad’s Army” as most there are noticeably older than at previous tournaments. Fewer than 3,000 are expected at tomorrow’s match v Tunisia, mainly due to fears of violence plus tensions after the Salisbury poisonings – for which the Government has blamed Russia.

But last night a carnival atmosphere reigned in the formerly war-torn city, once called Stalingrad, as Russia and England fans partied together.

Among those flying in yesterday were Sean and Karen Scully of Wick, Gloucs, who took 24 hours to get there via Athens and Salonika in Greece. Sean, 52, said: “I think it will be an older crowd at this event, with not so many young fans.

“The high cost and also the violence at the England v Russia match at Euro 2016 in Marseille will put many off.”

Doug Bishop, 66, of Birmingham, said he was off to see pals in their 70s at a bar in Volgograd, adding: “We’re old but we make lots of noise and look forward to cheering England to the final.

“A lot of youngsters didn’t fancy the trip due to the aggro and cost but I’ve saved enough to stay here as long as England.” Civil servant Ian Robinson, 59, from Sheffield said: “Everybody in Volgograd is so welcoming. It’s wrong that there has been such negative feeling about Russia before the World Cup.”

Chris Clarke, 48, of Rugeley, Staffs, said: “It has been really friendly here. Some Russians even hugged me because I was wearing an England shirt.”

The England team fly to Volgograd today. Star Fabian Delph yesterday said he will fly home if it looks like his wife will give birth early to their third child.

Several fans were hurt when a taxi hit a crowd in Moscow last night. They included Mexicans in their team’s colours, two Russians and a Ukrainian.

The cabbie tried to run away but was grabbed by passers-by. Police sources said he appeared to be over the drink limit.