Rush to join England World Cup bid

Travel companies have reported a surge in interest from football fans who want to join England’s World Cup party in Russia.

The Three Lions’ performances have left many supporters dreaming of lifting the trophy on 15 July, but their first two games were marked by lower turnouts than at previous tournaments.

Travel association Abta said its members had reported a sudden spike in interest in packages for the World Cup, while a leading fans’ group has told stay-at-home supporters: “It’s not too late”.

Russian authorities released figures suggesting that 2,000 more supporters had applied for fan IDS, which act as visas throughout the tournament, since it kicked off 12 days ago.

Abta said: “Abta travel companies are reporting a spike in interest after England’s wins against Tunisia and Panama.

“If you have a valid ticket to one of the matches and have registered for a fan ID, you won’t need a visa.

“If you don’t have a ticket, you will need a visa.

“Fans should check the Foreign Office website for more information.”

The Football Supporters’ Federation, which runs a fans’ embassy in host cities, said its investigations had shown England supporters could get a fan ID even without buying a ticket, so long as they use a ticket reference from any genuine ticket for any match.