The report says Milne and his friend Stuart Kenyon have embraced the region’s culture before the match, sampling Tex-Mex, queso and frozen margaritas. Their reaction to the queso was immediate: “Oh wow, that’s lovely, that’s amazing!”
Ranch water reportedly proved less popular, but the experience fits Milne’s approach to travelling with England. His replica World Cup trophy, “Sophie the Trophy”, has made him instantly recognisable among supporters, while his visits around Fort Worth and Arlington have added a personal story to the tournament.
For Milne, this is not simply a trip to watch football. It is a full immersion in the places, people and traditions surrounding the game.
The sporting backdrop is far more serious. Croatia defeated England 2-1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow, turning a promising English campaign into another chapter of near-misses.
England have since enjoyed better results against the Croatians in competitive football, but knockout memories linger. A rematch at a World Cup carries an obvious emotional charge, particularly for a generation of supporters who watched Croatia recover from behind and reach the final.
The challenge for England is to treat the occasion as more than revenge. Croatia’s midfield craft, tournament experience and ability to manage pressure remain serious tests.
Milne’s journey captures the joy and excess of a World Cup, but the match will eventually strip everything back to performance. England must turn expectation into control, while Croatia will welcome any sign that the old psychological advantage remains.
Now the Texas adventure reaches its main event. When England and Croatia meet in Dallas, the next storyline will be whether Milne’s confidence finally meets an England team capable of delivering on the biggest stage.