An England fan who was so convinced the Three Lions would win the World Cup that he got a huge tattoo celebrating the “win” has decided to add the words “only joking” underneath.
Sean Carrington got the foot-long £550 inking of the trophy with the words “England World Cup Winner 2026” written below it after the team beat DR Congo.
But along with millions of other supporters he was left railing at another frustrating England exit after Wednesday night’s late defeat against Argentina in the semi-final.
The 36-year-old, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, said he had “no regrets” about having it done and was now considering how to have it amended.
However, he admitted he was pleased he rowed back on his original plan – which was to get “It’s Coming Home” emblazoned across his chest.
Sean watched the match at Manchester’s Depot Mayfield fanzone and said the mood was hopeful when England took the lead with Anthony Gordon’s neat strike in the 55th minute.
“The atmosphere was crazy until the very end. But we sat back and gave it away,” he said.
“It was depressing – it ended up so flat.”
Regarding his tattoo, he said: “I’ll probably get ‘only joking’ added to it.”