England supporters attending their team’s recent match near Boston faced increased travel costs amid public transportation fare hikes, prompting them to adopt alternative arrangements. With train fares rising to $80 from the usual $20, many fans followed Scottish supporters’ example by chartering yellow school buses to shuttle between Providence, Rhode Island, and the stadium roughly 35 miles from downtown Boston and 20 miles from Providence itself.

At least a dozen coaches and buses ferried fans for a round trip fare of approximately $35. Among them was retired British Army officer Lt. Colonel Nick Rowles, 68, and his wife Gail, 67, who traveled with friends. Despite the overall expense of their trip exceeding £10,000, the couple secured less expensive seats through the England Supporters Travel Club and expressed a preference for a more subdued experience compared to the rowdier atmosphere associated with younger fans.

Paul Scott, 48, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, spent £10,000 to attend all three of England’s group-stage matches, a gift from his wife, Claire. Scott praised the hospitality he encountered in the United States, calling the welcome “phenomenal.” Other fans from Stoke-on-Trent faced travel disruptions after their flights from Montreal were canceled, leading them to spend £1,900 on taxis to reach Boston.

The match itself featured moments of tension as England supporters booed Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who was present despite facing multiple serious charges. Partey, 33, who previously played for Arsenal and currently represents Spanish club Villarreal, is charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London. He denies all allegations. During pre-match handshakes, television coverage cut away as Partey passed England players, and defender Djed Spence appeared to avoid shaking hands with him.

Fans also expressed displeasure with hydration breaks taken in heavy rain during the game. England’s upcoming fixture is scheduled for Saturday against Panama at the stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the World Cup final on July 19. Among the spectators was David Beckham’s son, Cruz, 21, accompanied by his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, alongside other notable supporters.