Passionate football fan and renowned Steve McClaren look-alike, Andy Milne, has made a surprise appearance in Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.
Andy gained viral fame during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to his infectious enthusiasm and striking resemblance to former English football player Steve McClaren.
Spotted near Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, Andy was seen holding a replica trophy and joining England supporters for selfies, with some fans sporting lookalike face masks.
Known as ‘that World Cup guy,’ Milne has been supporting England in every Men’s World Cup since he was 19 but has never attended a Women’s World Cup.
In response, Tourism Australia extended a warm Aussie welcome to Andy and his daughter Laila, 27, who is currently living in Sydney on a working holiday.
Hailing from Northwich, Cheshire, Andy has been a longstanding advocate for women’s sports. During his time as a teacher, he helped establish the girls’ football team at The Grange School in Cheshire, ensuring his daughter Laila could participate.
Expressing his excitement about the trip, Andy said, “My favourite thing about the World Cup is meeting new people in new places, and there’s no place more welcoming than Australia. Since the moment I landed, everyone I’ve met has been so wonderful, and I can’t wait to meet more locals, more fans, and soak up the positive, inviting atmosphere. This is my first Women’s World Cup, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be Down Under for it. It’s going to be incredible to watch England take on Haiti this weekend, and hopefully, football is coming home.”
England, the current European Champions, will play their first game against Haiti on Saturday 20 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe, said, “Sport is a big part of Aussie culture, and we love how it brings people together. When we heard about Andy, someone who has been a passionate supporter of football for decades and gets so much enjoyment out of meeting new people while cheering on his home country, we knew we had to invite him to come and say g’day and be part of the Women’s World Cup.”
Andy will stay in Australia for a week, supporting Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match and watching the Matildas take on Ireland’s Girls in Green on Thursday 20 July. He also met up with footy enthusiast TikToker @samanthajademiller in Sydney.
