From Benidorm bar to Azteca – A Walsall fan’s gamble

An England football fan has said a gamble to pass up tickets for the DR Congo match has paid off, as he looks forward to being at the formidable Azteca Stadium for the last-16 clash with Mexico.

Ashley Price, who is originally from Willenhall, but now lives and runs a bar in Benidorm, is part of the England Supporters Travel Club and has access to a choice of tickets from England’s official tournament allocation.

He passed on a ticket for the DR Congo match and targeted the Mexico match instead.

Watching England’s nervy win, he said there were times that it felt like a bad decision.

“It was on the bucket list as soon as we all saw that the route could take us to the Azteca – that’s the one that all of us big loyal England fans were looking forward to,” he said.

“But at the same as [it looked like] we were getting knocked out, I’m thinking this is going to save me about £15,000.”

Demand for tickets to the Mexico match has soared, with some reportedly changing hands for as much as €7,000, but Price said he had no intention of selling his.

Going behind to DR Congo after only seven minutes, Harry Kane scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win it for England.

Price shut his bar for the night, preferring to watch on his own at home.

“I’m glad I stayed in the house, that’s the most stressful I’ve watched England since the last time I watched us,” he said.

“If I’m not at the game, I like to watch it on my own in my house with the sound on, so I can concentrate and watch it.

“We were not great but we’re through but to be honest I’m nervous.”

He plans to fly out to Mexico from Madrid, along with a friend.

“Mexico have only ever lost twice at that stadium in the history of their country, which is unbelievable, but we are England, and when we play we have got a great team.”