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Third of football fans think England will win the World Cup. Just not in their lifetimes

Only three per cent believe England will win the tournament this year

Rob Knight
Tuesday 05 June 2018 07:16 EDT
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Ten per cent of those polled thought Harry Kane and his team would reach the semi-finals in this summer’s competition
Ten per cent of those polled thought Harry Kane and his team would reach the semi-finals in this summer’s competition (PA)

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A third of football fans think England will win the World Cup – but not in their lifetime, according to a survey.

The poll of 2,000 supporters found a further 19 per cent are more optimistic and believe they’ll live to see the team lift the trophy again, although not many rate their chances in Russia this year.

One third also think the Harry Kane and the squad will put in a respectable show and reach the last eight.

It also emerged around one in 10 or respondents think Gareth Southgate’s squad will replicate the achievements of the legendary Italia ‘90 side and reach the semi finals.

However, just three per cent are confident England will win the tournament this year and the average fan will scream and shout at the TV around 10 times on average when England play this summer.

This could potentially rise to 71 times if they get all the way to the final and manage to avoid extra time or penalties in the process.

“It’s clear that despite years of footballing pain, England fans will still be tuning-in to show their support for the national team," said Matt Walburn, marketing director at Currys PC World, which commissioned the poll.

It also emerged 14 per cent intend to put an England flag or sticker on their car this World Cup and 16 per cent plan to display one in a window at home.

The research also found 84 per cent of fans will watch the tournament on a TV and most – seven in 10 – will enjoy it in the comfort of their home.

One thing that might hamper their enjoyment however is Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) – more than one quarter think the new technology is "taking away the spirit of football".

However 52 per cent believe it will improve the tournament.

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