'Worth every penny', say England fans at World Cup

"It's brilliant, everybody is here for a party and it's exactly that."

England fans at the World Cup to roar on the Three Lions have hailed their "once-in-a-lifetime" experience in the US as they backed Thomas Tuchel's men to bring football home.

England, who are through to the knockout stages, beat Panama 2-0on Saturday, with football fans from across Yorkshire among the thousands in New Jersey to cheer on the team.

"Everywhere we go everybody has got a smile on their face. Everybody's interacting with fans from all over the world, which is exactly what the World Cup is all about," says John Hemmingham, a Sheffield Wednesday fan and leader of the England Band.

"Everybody is so welcoming and the atmosphere is brilliant," adds the 63-year-old from Hillsborough.

"You can be talking to a Moroccan fan one minute then a Ghana fan and an Ecuador fan.

"Everybody is on the same page."

The trumpeter, who has not missed a competitive Three Lions match for 30 years, declares he is "staying here until England win it".

"It's brilliant, everybody is here for a party and it's exactly that."

Scarborough-based Danny Williams and Joe Gallagher have proved to be popular members of Tuchel's travelling army in Dallas and Boston, where England played their opening two group games, thanks largely to their flag showcasing the best of the popular North Yorkshire seaside resort.

"It's had a good reception," says Williams, 34.

The pair say they have loved their time flying the flag for home and cheering on the national team, with Gallagher, 35, admitting: "Our only regret is not staying for longer."

"We have all been taken in so well."

Despite question marks about the level of interest in the tournament among North Americans, as well as a potential hostility towards certain countries, Williams, a highways worker for North Yorkshire Council, says the locals have been "friendly and definitely up for the banter".

"America is beautiful, we have had half-decent results and everything has been amazing," he adds.

The pair, who follow the Three Lions regularly, admit they would love to attend the final, but cannot justify the £3,000 they have each been quoted for a ticket.

"You could take the whole family to Barbados for that price," says Gallagher, who works as a police officer in North Yorkshire.

The price of tickets, travel and refreshments inside stadiums has been a talking point off the pitch, with Barnsley fan Ben Wade now back on home soil and feeling the pinch of his first World Cup.

"It took me a few days to check the bank balance," the 21-year-old from Wakefield admits.

"It was a bit more than I expected but nothing we can't deal with, you don't mind paying it."

Wade paid $265 (£201) to watch England's opening match against Croatia, a higher price than some supporters with more loyalty points, but much lower than the $1,500 other fans told him they had paid.

He says the cost of a refreshing pint in the soaring Texas temperatures was as high as $20, while a trip to a Texas BBQ restaurant also set him back $129.

The tiler, who celebrated his birthday while on holiday, has no regrets, however, describing the trip as "once-in-a-lifetime".

"It was probably the best birthday I could have asked for," he adds.

"It's gutting watching it on TV, I just want to be back out there.

"I think we are going to do it this year."

Terry Rose is hoping to time his arrival on Tuesday to perfection.

The semi-retired pub landlord from Lindley in Huddersfield has booked tickets with his partner Sarah to watch what could be England's last 16 fixture in the competition if they progress through the round of 32.

Rose is so confident football is coming home he has also booked tickets to the quarter final, semi-final and even the final.

"That's what I'm hoping for, the business end," says the 68-year-old, who has been following England across the world for 40 years.

"They just need a little bit of luck - the bounce of the ball - but I think the guys are up for it."

Following England around the world is "like a holiday with your mates", says the Leeds United fan.

"I hate to think of what I have spent out there, it's a lot of money, but it's worth every penny.

"It's the excitement - you see people you haven't seen since the previous game, you have got a load more friends, it's just a big family now.

"Particularly now we have a lot of female supporters. When we started back in the day it used to be all these silly, burly big lads who wanted a scrap. You don't get that anymore.

"I'm 69 on Boxing Day but I'm still going, still singing and dancing."

Rose is well known among his compatriots for donning a St George's Cross suit wherever he follows the team.

"It just brings so much joy to people," he says.

"The smile on the kids faces, it's just mind-blowing. I just like being with people and football is my passion."

He says England ending their 60-year wait to win a major tournament would make him "the happiest man on the planet".

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.