Confident England fans shell out thousands on Mexico flights despite DR Congo test

Confident England fans are booking flights and hotels for a potential World Cup last-16 tie in Mexico City, even though the team still must first beat the Democratic Republic of Congo. England plays the DR Congo in a round of 32 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday. A win would send the Three Lions into a Sunday last-16 game against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca after Mexico advanced by beating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday. Fans quoted in the report say their planning has included refundable flights and anxiety over whether England would play in Atlanta or Toronto. Others cite Atlanta temperatures above 30C and the advantage of an air-conditioned venue. The appeal is part of broader confidence that the knockout stage is now the “go time.”