England fans said the Three Lions’ dramatic victory over Mexico has convinced them the team has the momentum to beat Norway and even win the World Cup.
More than 10,000 supporters from the UK are set to descend on the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, with England and Norway fans already creating a party atmosphere across South Beach.
Three Lions fans were enjoying themselves at the bars on Friday evening after Norway fans took part in their now-infamous row on the oceanfront.
Police back in the UK will no longer have to deal with an early hours screening of the game following the delayed 2am kick-off against Mexico.
The latest figures from the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) showed there were 42 football-related arrests across the country during the round of 16 win, with officers responding to 223 football-related incidents.
The number of incidents responded to increased from 142 incidents during the previous match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “The UKFPU is collating the information received from UK police forces, but the early indications are that there were significant numbers of calls to licenced premises, around violence and disorder, which can be attributed to the extended licensing hours.”
On South Beach on Friday, however, England supporters were focused on what they hope will be another step towards ending the country’s long wait for major tournament success.
Dylan Kayek, 22, from Manchester, who now lives in Miami, told the Press Association: “I’m very confident. Not too confident, but I feel good about us winning, definitely.”
Josh Taylor, 22, added: “I think I agree. We’re on a good run, we’re building momentum into the tournament so hopefully we just keep it going.”
Ruth Kayek, 48, said simply: “It’s coming home.”
The Kayek family and Mr Taylor secured tickets shortly after England’s victory over Mexico.
Mrs Kayek said: “I’ve actually stayed out of it, but my husband was straight on the tickets.
“We spent several hours actually on the internet refreshing, refreshing, refreshing.”
Dylan believes England’s biggest names are beginning to deliver when it matters.
“I think we’re just going to keep it going, build momentum,” he said.
“The big players are turning up. Bellingham, Kane – I hope they get it done tomorrow.”
Mr Taylor added: “We’ll be here tomorrow night after England win and we’ll be going crazy.”
Asked whether she would travel to New York should England reach the World Cup final, Mrs Kayek said: “Damn right. I’m going with or without them.”
Jack Williamson, 32, from Wiltshire, said stopping Haaland will be key.
“I reckon if we can keep Haaland quiet, we’ll be all right,” he told PA.
“I think we’ll control the game, hopefully nick a couple of goals. 2-0. Put your money on it.”
Mr Williamson continued: “I wouldn’t like to call it too early but it’s a game we probably should win.
“They’ll be tricky, but looking at England, we should beat them.”
Josh Dolman, 34, from Swindon, added: “I reckon it’ll be easier than people think. I think a 3-1, they’ll score a late goal, but we’re much better than they are.”
Mr Dolman, who only booked his flights to Miami on Tuesday after England beat Mexico, said: “I couldn’t resist. Could not resist after that Mexico game.
“We’re going to win it all so I couldn’t miss it out in Miami.
“It’s the missus who convinced me to come. She said ‘you’ll regret it forever if you don’t go’.
“We did the Euros final and lost that and I just couldn’t not come.”
Despite his optimism, he admitted England rarely make knockout football straightforward.
He continued: “Even though I said it with confidence earlier, it’s never normal with England.
“So there’ll be something that throws a little spanner in the works, like that Mexico game.
“When we go 3-1 up, then we concede, then we get someone sent off – it’s never normal.
“So whatever happens, it’s going to be a little bit weird, but I’m hoping it’s just a nice, normal, easy 2-0 or 3-0 or 3-1.”
Mr Williamson believes victory on Saturday could pave the way for tournament success.
He said: “If we can get past Norway, then there’s every chance we win the lot.”
Mr Williamson joked: “If England are to win a tournament, one way to do it is with a German in charge.”
Mr Dolman replied: “Typical England that we can’t do it and we need a bit of help.”
Jayden Johal, 21, from just outside London, also expects England to progress, although he believes Norway will be a tough test.
“I think it’ll be tough, but I see us doing it,” he said.
“Maybe extra time, but I think we’ll get it done.”
His friend Alex Gabbitas, 22, from north-west London, said they had not yet booked travel for a possible semi-final.
“No, not yet. It’s on the cards. But we do have accommodation in New York so preferably get there,” he said.
Locked in for tomorrow 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Z7cB1hbnnG
— England (@England) July 10, 2026
“That’s tomorrow’s plan. Tomorrow’s problem.”
England assistant manager Anthony Barry said on Friday that it was time for England to “take the handbrake off”, insisting the squad still had another level to reach as they chase a place in the semi-finals.
Sir David Beckham also spoke to England’s players on the eve of their crunch World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
The 51-year-old star was in attendance for a training session in Fort Lauderdale and spoke to players in the gym before they took to the field.
Victory over Norway would send England into a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday.
