England have already won the World Cup... according to this fan’s tattoo

Sean Carrington, 36, says he will add ‘only joking’ to the body art if the Three Lions fail to lift the trophy



An England fan has shown his utmost optimism in a World Cup victory by getting a tattoo that declares Thomas Tuchel’s team world champions.

Sean Carrington, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, said he had become convinced the team would win the competition since England beat the DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32.

His new tattoo depicts a large World Cup trophy with the words “England World Cup Winner 2026” written underneath.

The 36-year-old admitted the decision was “impulsive”, but said he would have “only joking” added were England to lose.

“I’m just impulsive, really,” he said. “If we lose, I’m just going to add the words ‘only joking’ afterwards.”

Mr Carrington, a roofer, said he came up with the idea after being spurred on by his friends while watching the DR Congo match on holiday in Tenerife.

He had the tattoo done for £550 at Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in the village of Standish before England overcame Norway in the quarter-final.

Mr Carrington, who has nine tattoos, said the shop was busy when he arrived, but as soon as he explained what he would like to have done, the tattoo artist said: “Wow, yeah I’ll fit you in.”

“The longer it goes on in your head the more you talk yourself out of it,” he added.

He said that although his girlfriend had previously tried to dissuade him from getting certain tattoos done she consented to the idea on this occasion.

Mr Carrington said: “I’m glad, really, as it’s a really good tattoo. It’s not the end of the world, it’s just a tattoo.”

The majority of Mr Carrington’s other tattoos are names dedicated to family members.

Jamie Taylor, the manager at Holy Trinity, said: “I did say to him that it’s permanent and it can’t wash off.

“Not that I don’t believe we can win. He is a lovely guy, and was the life and soul of the studio that day.

“I’m very happy we did it. I was unsure at first, but he was adamant and to him it was a bit of fun and he would get it done anyway.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, the outgoing Prime Minister, refused to comment on whether he would announce a bank holiday in the event of England winning the World Cup.

In Sir Keir’s final Prime Minister’s Questions he said he did not wish to “jinx” the rest of the tournament before England’s semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday evening.