England followers left fuming after forking out £13.50 for a beer at pre-tournament recreation
Football fans were horrified about the prices at the Raymond James stadium in Tampa, Florida, where England beat New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up match
Fans were shocked to discover the price of a drink(Image: Getty Images)
World Cup fans went into meltdown after being charged £13.50 for a beer – at England’s pre-tournament friendly. Supporters who made the trek to the Raymond James stadium in Tampa, Florida, to watch the Three Lions’ warm-up match against New Zealand were stunned by the drinks prices.
One shared a photo on Reddit of the bar menu including a premium beer priced at $18 – around £13.50. Cocktails were going for nearly £20. While bottles of water – essential to combat the 33C heat – cost nearly £6.
England won 1-0 thanks to a first half Harry Kane header. While the match did not blow away supporters the drinks prices did and were even higher than many pre-tournament warnings.
One described them as ‘scandalous’ online while another branded them ‘absolutely unbelievable”. “This is just the warm-up said – imagine what they’ll be like at the real thing,” said another.
It comes with fans already reeling over the cost of World Cup match tickets, accommodation, transportation to venues and the US’s 20% tipping rules. England coach Thomas Tuchel blamed the uneven pitch for the lack lustre match.
“It was very difficult to play on,” he said. “We have no injuries and there were no concerns but it was very uneven, very uneven. It was difficult to move the ball and move the ball quickly. When you have the ball for the majority of the match it doesn’t help you.”
Captain Kane said one factor was an issue – the heat. “To be honest I don’t think the heat’s been too bad,” he said. “Obviously we’ve been getting used to it in training. After the first couple of days I felt like most of the lads were used to it. Today actually didn’t feel terrible out there, so I think there’s a talking point that might get over spoken about to be honest.
“We’re all professional athletes. We all have done the right preparation to get ready for this tournament between us and the staff as well. We have another 10 days or so until that first game, training in this environment, so I think come the tournament, it won’t be a factor.”
The Bayern Munich striker, whose goal was his 67th for club and country, said he is in the form of his life. “Playing for England is my favourite thing to do,” he said.
“I wear the shirt with immense pride, I wear the armband with immense pride, trying to set the right example for my team-mates, the staff, but also the fans and the country. To be able to lead another group of guys into another World Cup is obviously a special feeling.
“We go into it with high expectations, so for me I’m just excited for this thing to get going. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt and it can’t come soon enough.”
