Andy Milne, a beloved fan known for resembling former football player Steve McClaren, has made his way to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.
Milne gained popularity during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for his infectious enthusiasm and uncanny resemblance to McClaren. He was spotted near Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, holding a replica trophy, and happily taking selfies with England supporters, some of whom were sporting McClaren lookalike face masks.
Dubbed “that World Cup guy,” Milne has attended every Men’s World Cup since he was 19 but has never been to a Women’s World Cup. In response, Tourism Australia extended a warm invitation for Andy to attend the tournament alongside his daughter Laila, who is currently living in Sydney.
Hailing from Northwich, Cheshire, Milne has been a strong advocate for women’s sports. He played a crucial role in establishing the girls’ football team at The Grange School, Cheshire, ensuring his daughter Laila had the opportunity to participate.
Expressing his excitement about the trip, Milne said, “My favourite thing about the World Cup is meeting new people in new places, and there’s no place more welcoming than Australia. Since the moment I landed, everyone I’ve met has been so wonderful, and I can’t wait to meet more locals, more fans, and soak up the positive, inviting atmosphere. This is my first Women’s World Cup, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be Down Under for it. It’s going to be incredible to watch England take on Haiti this weekend, and hopefully, football is coming home.”
England, the reigning European Champions, will face Haiti in their first game on Saturday, July 20th, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe, expressed enthusiasm for Andy’s visit, stating, “Sport is a big part of Aussie culture, and we love how it brings people together. When we heard about Andy, someone who has been a passionate supporter of football for decades and gets so much enjoyment out of meeting new people while he cheers on his home country, we knew we had to invite him to come and say g’day and be part of the Women’s World Cup.”
Andy will be staying in Australia for a week, cheering on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match and also watching the Matildas face Ireland’s Girls in Green on July 20th. During his time in Sydney, he also had the opportunity to meet up with football enthusiast TikToker @samanthajademiller.
