England fans in Atlanta carry quiet nerves into World Cup knockout match against Congo

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta Stadium will host England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday as the World Cup moves into the knockout stage.

English fans who have made the trip to Atlanta are not projecting the confidence one might expect from supporters of a tournament favorite.

Richard Stradling, a South London native who lives in Atlanta because his wife works for U.S. Soccer, said the reputation of English soccer fans precedes them.

“It can be quite tribal,” Stradling admitted. “It can be quite intimidating.”

Stradling said his wife’s preferred outcome would be a meeting between the two nations in the final. His friends traveling to Atlanta for the Wednesday matchup against the Congo, however, have more immediate questions — including whether they can visit Augusta National Golf Club.

“Where else can we go while we are there? ‘How far is Augusta?’ is always the question,” Stradling said. “Everyone loves Augusta in England.”

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Despite the optimism about sightseeing, Stradling said the mood among English supporters heading into the match is measured.

“There is a bit of apprehension as always. England is always a little bit pessimistic,” he said.

England last won the World Cup in 1966. In the decades since, talented England squads have fallen short of their nation’s expectations. The famous English soccer anthem “Three Lions” bemoans “30 years of hurt,” and nothing has changed in the 30 years since the song’s release.

Their opponent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories. Stradling said the sentiment around the underdog shifts depending on who they are playing.

“If Congo were playing Brazil this afternoon, everyone would be rooting for them,” he said, bemoaning that it’s not the case. “Yeah, let’s just thrash them and get it out of the way.”

Stradling also said the World Cup presents an opportunity for Atlanta to make an impression on English visitors who might not otherwise consider the city.

“Instead of going to New York or LA for holiday, maybe they’ll come to Atlanta,” he said.