Steve McClaren-lookalike rocks up in Australia ahead of Women’s World Cup

England football’s fan-favourite and Steve McClaren lookalike, Andy Milne, has popped up in Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.

The passionate football fan went viral during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to his lovable enthusiasm and likeness to former English football player Steve McClaren.

The retired teacher was spotted near Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, a replica trophy in hand and joining England supporters for selfies, some whom wore sporting lookalike face masks.

Widely known as ‘that World Cup guy’, Milne has cheered England on at every Men’s World Cup since he was 19 but has never attended a Women’s World Cup.

READ MORE: Steve McLaren lookalike who 'became World Cup meme' spotted in Man Utd end at FA Cup final

In response, Tourism Australia extended a warm Aussie welcome for Andy to attend alongside his daughter Laila, 27, who is currently living in Sydney on a working holiday.

Milne, who hails from Northwich, Cheshire, has long been an advocate for women’s sports. During his tenure, he helped to establish the girl’s football team at The Grange School, Cheshire ensuring his daughter Laila could participate.

Speaking about the trip, Milne said: "My favourite thing about the World Cup is meeting new people in new places and there’s no place more welcoming than Australia.

Would England have qualified for Euro 2008 if Andy Milne was in charge? Let us know in the comments section below.

"Since the moment I landed, everyone I’ve met has been so wonderful and I can’t wait to meet more locals, more fans, and soak up the positive, inviting atmosphere.

"This is my first Women’s World Cup and I’m absolutely buzzing to be Down Under for it. It’s going to be incredible to watch England take on Haiti this weekend and hopefully, football is coming home."

England, the current European Champions, face Haiti in their first game on Saturday 20 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland. Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said: "Sport is a big part of Aussie culture and we love how it brings people together.

"When we heard about Andy, someone who has been a passionate supporter of football for decades and gets so much enjoyment out of meeting new people while he cheers on his home country, we knew we had to invite him to come and say g’day and be part of the Women’s World Cup."

Andy will stay in Australia for a week to cheer on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match as well as watching the Matildas take on Ireland’s Girls in Green on Thursday 20 July. Andy also met up with footy mad TikToker @‌samanthajademiller in Sydney.

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