Andy Milne, a beloved England football fan and well-known Steve McClaren lookalike, has made his way to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.
Milne gained viral fame during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to his infectious enthusiasm and resemblance to former English football player Steve McClaren.
Sporting a replica trophy and joining England supporters for selfies near Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, Milne has become a favourite among fans, some of whom wore Steve McClaren face masks.
Known as “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 to his passion and dedication, Tourism Australia extended a warm invitation for Andy to attend the Women’s World Cup alongside his daughter Laila, 27, who is currently living in Sydney on a working holiday.
Hailing from Northwich, Cheshire, Milne has long been an advocate for women’s sports. He played a key role in establishing the girls’ football team at The Grange School in Cheshire, ensuring his daughter Laila could 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.”
The current European Champions, England, will face Haiti in their first game on Saturday 20 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe, commented, “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 stay in Australia for a week, supporting Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match and watching the Matildas take on Ireland’s Girls in Green on Thursday 20 July. He also had the opportunity to meet up with football enthusiast TikToker @samanthajademiller in Sydney.