England fans have experienced a "total football carnival" in Russia for the World Cup.GETTY IMAGES
Two years after England fans "clashed violently with Russian hooligans" in Marseille, many English fans were deterred from "braving the journey to Russia," according to Seddon & Mance of the FINANCIAL TIMES. But those making the journey have "found a country going out of its way to make them feel welcome." English fan Ryan Keeble said, "It's been a total football carnival -- exactly how the Russians wanted it to be perceived." When Keeble flew to England's first game in Volgograd, he was "greeted by local schoolchildren singing songs of welcome." He said, "It's been just incredible, the place and the people." The FA believes there has been a "steady increase of England fans through this World Cup," with around 1,500 attending the first match against Tunisia but around 5,000 at the latest game against Belgium. More are expected for England’s round of 16 match against Colombia in Moscow on Tuesday. Russian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev said that violent clashes in Russia have been limited to "isolated incidents" and have not involved Russians. One Russian hooligan, who is "hiding out abroad," said, "If we had the chance to ruin it then we would, but I'm a sensible man, so I am staying away from this circus." Hardcore England fans appeared to have "come to the same conclusion and stayed away" (FT, 6/29).
