Sports
Fans dress as three lions in support of Three Lions
July 5, 2026
Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site
Ernie, Alfie and Charlie were spotted on TV dressed as three lions at England's game against Ghana [Supplied]When three football fans went to a World Cup game to cheer on England at Boston Stadium, they took inspiration from their national team's iconic emblem.
>Charlie, Alfie and Ernie, from Buxton in Derbyshire, dressed as three lions in homage to the Three Lions badge worn on England jerseys for more than 150 years.
>Their furry attire brought the 17-year-olds plenty of attention, leading to appearances alongside American journalists and on BBC's The One Show.
>Despite England's goalless draw with Ghana, the trio enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame.
Ernie, Alfie and Charlie posed for about 70 photos ahead of England's game against Ghana [Supplied]The teenagers posed for about 70 photos in the stadium and were stopped by five different American news reporters, which meant it took a long time for them to get to their seats.
>"The presenter for The One Show before the game was doing a pitch-side talk about the team," added Charlie.
>"And then she started talking about some of the England fans and the camera panned to us and it was us cheering and celebrating in our lion costumes.
>"Back home I had my grandma sat on a settee messaging me about seeing me on live television. So that was a good feeling."
'Our one chance'Alfie added: "We didn't go with like the idea of being celebrities - just a good laugh. But what's weird is that everyone, the American people, just came up and took photos of us."
>The teenagers bought the costumes online and wore them when they were still in the UK for England's first World Cup game against Croatia.
>They arrived in America on 19 June and were due to fly home on Monday.
>Ernie said they just went to one game because of the cost, so they were determined to make the most of it.
>"I think we kind of knew that this was our one chance at a game, so we thought we may as well go all in or nothing," he said.
>"We were definitely in the spirit more from wearing the costumes than we would have been without."
>The teenagers have said their ambition is to go and see England play in a final of a major competition in their three lion outfits.
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