The banter began when McAfee and his co-hosts aimed England’s familiar “football’s coming home” refrain back at the English golfer, shouting, “It’s never coming home.”
Fleetwood answered with a grin: “Take it easy.” Then came the obvious counter: “Where did you guys get to? Last 16?”
It was a neat reply. The United States had reached the knockout stage, but its run ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. England went further, only to lose to Argentina in the semi-final - another painful near miss for a team whose tournament hopes often invite the same old jokes.
Fleetwood did not leave the exchange at the punchline. He said he had enjoyed being in the United States as the national team’s run brought energy and positivity to supporters. His wish that they had gone further sounded sincere, not like an attempt to soften the earlier jab.
That mix of quick wit and warmth made the moment work. Fleetwood could defend England without dismissing the excitement around the USMNT, and he gave McAfee’s audience a proper back-and-forth rather than a rehearsed answer. It also reflected the golfer’s strong following in the United States: he understands the appeal of a spirited sporting rivalry, but knows when to show appreciation.
The tournament exits gave both sides material for teasing, yet Fleetwood’s final message shifted the focus from rivalry to shared enthusiasm. The next major international competition will offer fresh chances for both fanbases to dream bigger - and, no doubt, for another friendly exchange if their teams meet again.