There aren't many football fans who come close to Andy Milne's level of fandom.
The English superfan is preparing for his 10th FIFA World Cup as a supporter, starting with England's warm-up match against the All Whites on Sunday.
1News Sport reporter Zion Dayal and US Correspondent Logan Church joined Breakfast from Tampa ahead of this weekend's fixture – a huge test for New Zealand. (Source: 1News)
"I've been going since 1982, I've been to eight men's World Cups and came over to Australia for the Women's World Cup," he told Breakfast.
Milne became a cult hero at the 2022 World Cup.
Regularly picked up by the television cameras, replica trophy in hand, the retired teacher found his face splashed across newspapers and online memes.
"I do so many selfies, especially on match days, it's crazy. I have to take a hat and some shades if it gets too much, but it's nice to make people happy," he says.
While the attention he received might not quite be at the same level as that currently being shown to All Whites defender Tim Payne – with 5.1 million Instagram followers and counting – Milne does have some words of advice when it comes to dealing with sudden social media stardom.
"I'd say to Tim, make the most of it. Grab the opportunity that's there, I've done a lot of endorsements and collaborations for this one, which is great. And I've got a book!"
Those book sales – and putting his house on the market (not the family home, he assures us) – are funding his 2026 World Cup odyssey.
If you watch closely enough, you might just spot him in the stands as the English chase their first World Cup victory in 60 years.
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