England fans will outnumber Senegal supporters by 10-1 at tonight's World Cup desert duel. Thousands of Three Lions supporters are expected to fly in for the game – the first ever between the two nations.
And England's throng inside the Al Bayt Stadium will be swelled by at least 5,000 ex-pats. But only “several hundred” Senegal fans, right, have made the trek from west Africa. It will turn the last 16 knockout clash into a virtual home game for Gareth Southgate's stars.
Ashley Brown, of the Football Supporters Association based in Qatar, said the England team could expect passionate backing as they bid to reach the quarter finals.
He added: “All in all we expect to see around 3,000 fans from back home, with those numbers increased by ex-pats and locals who choose to support England.”
There was a 200m-long queue for last-minute tickets on sale in Doha, with seats for £180 each. Superfans Brian Geddis, 63, and Gary Bown, 62, have jetted in and out for games from nearby Dubai where they are staying on the QE2 liner.
Army veteran Brian, from Stafford, said: “We are here until the final whatever happens.'' Textile boss Gary, from Leicester, added: “You get to see places which you would never have seen otherwise as a fan.”
Fellow England supporters Neal Weekes and Fil Sollof have been to matches at all eight of Qatar's World Cup stadia. Auctioneer Neal, 57, from Greenwich, south-east London, said: “It's been a once in a lifetime experience. Now we've just got to beat Senegal.''
Property services boss Fil, 57, from Loughton, Essex, added: “I think the stadium is going to be all England.'' But Senegal supporters who have flown in for the match still back their side to win.
Alhadji Diedhiou, 39, said: “The players are talented, confident, energetic.” And Sidy Sagna, 47, predicted: “We will be very courageous. We will beat England.''