Steve McClaren Doppelgänger Travels to Australia to Support the Lionesses at FIFA Women’s World Cup
Andy Milne, the beloved England football fan known for his resemblance to former player Steve McClaren, has made a surprise appearance in Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.
Milne gained fame during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for his infectious enthusiasm and striking resemblance to McClaren. Recently, he was spotted near Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, holding a replica trophy and posing for selfies with fellow England supporters, some of whom wore lookalike face masks.
Known as “that World Cup guy,” Milne has attended every Men’s World Cup since he was 19 but had never been to a Women’s World Cup. In response, Tourism Australia extended a warm invitation for Andy and his daughter Laila, 27, who is currently living in Sydney, to attend the tournament.
Hailing from Northwich, Cheshire, Milne has long been an advocate for women’s sports. He played a role in establishing the girls’ football team at The Grange School in Cheshire, ensuring his daughter Laila had the opportunity to participate.
Expressing his excitement about the trip, Milne 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 reigning 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 the 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 he cheers 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 be staying in Australia for a week to support Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match and to watch the Matildas face Ireland’s Girls in Green on Thursday, 20 July. During his visit, he also had a meeting with footy enthusiast and TikToker @samanthajademiller in Sydney.
