Will England fans in Boston follow Scotland's lead after Tartan Army stole hearts?

As Scotland's Tartan Army moves on after a historic and heartwarming stay in Boston, England fans arrive for their World Cup clash with Ghana. Local p...

Jun 23, 2026 4 min read 112 views

Will England fans in Boston follow Scotland's lead after Tartan Army stole hearts?

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Boston still buzzing from Scotland invasion as England arrive

Boston is a city still smiling. The Tartan Army descended for FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage matches and turned a sports-mad city into an impromptu festival of kilts, singalongs, and sold-out beer taps. Now, as the Scots move on to Miami, the question is: can England's travelling support match the magic?

With England set to face Ghana on Tuesday evening (21:00 BST) at Gillette Stadium, between 10,000 and 15,000 Three Lions fans are expected to flood the city. Local venues that were overwhelmed – in the best way – are cautiously optimistic, but realistic about the different vibe England might bring.

How Scotland captured Boston's heart

Brandon Finnan, manager of the Cask 'n Flagon pub in the shadow of Fenway Park, described Scotland's visit as "one of our busiest-ever spells." He told BBC Sport:

We probably ran out of almost every beer at some point, but it was a lot of fun. We didn't know what to expect really. When they showed up, they showed up very deep! Speaking for the city of Boston, we feel blessed. They've treated all the staff with nothing but respect. They took time to understand how our tipping works, they cleaned up. And I think they brought a lot of happiness to the city when we needed it.

That goodwill flowed both ways. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent to establish Boston and Glasgow as 'sister cities', while the Boston Globe took out a full-page advert thanking the Tartan Army for turning "an ordinary June into something we'll be talking about for years." Red Sox President Sam Kennedy wrote to the Scottish FA praising the "spirit that has no equivalent in American sport" after hundreds of Scotland fans attended a baseball game and filled Fenway with bagpipes and cheers.

England now walk onto that stage

That glowing reception sets a high bar. Managers of pubs like The Dubliner, another Scotland stronghold, admit England won't automatically get the same embrace. Brian McDonnell, The Dubliner's manager, said the Scots "really took us over. It's been nothing short of crazy." He noted:

We won't maybe be hanging up an English flag outside as much as the Scottish flag, but they'll be welcome.

That sentiment captures a blend of affection for the history-making Scotland trip and a wait-and-see approach towards England.

There's also a pragmatic recognition that England are seen as tournament favourites, not romantic underdogs. "I think England plays more of a favourite's role, whereas Scotland is more of an underdog, so I think it'll be a little bit different," Brandon Finnan said. "We've taken Scotland under our wings. We're in love with Scotland now, so we're on their side. I think there's a lot of other teams that people here would vote for besides England."

Can England's support write its own chapter?

England fans haven't always enjoyed the carefree, party-first reputation of the Tartan Army. The shadow of past hooliganism still colours perceptions overseas. But the modern England travelling support is far more diverse, family-oriented, and vocal in the stadiums. The question is whether they can bring the same warmth into the pubs and streets of Boston.

The city's sports infrastructure is ready. Venues that served as Scottish hubs have restocked and learned from the experience. The weather, the walkable downtown, and the massive screens set up for the tournament all provide a stage. Ultimately, the welcome may hinge on behaviour. If England fans treat staff with respect, embrace local customs, and bring the noise without trouble, they could forge their own bond. But eclipsing the Scots' legacy will be a mighty task.

As Finnan concluded: "We wish it would last longer." The Tartan Army's party has moved south, but Boston still has room for another round. It's now up to England to prove they can fill the glasses without spilling a drop.

Key Takeaways

Scotland's World Cup visit created a deep bond with Boston, culminating in a sister-city letter and a full-page newspaper thank you.
Local pubs were overwhelmed but delighted by the respectful and fun-loving Tartan Army, who boosted business and civic morale.
England fans are arriving in large numbers for the Ghana match, but they face a different perception as favourites rather than underdogs.
Boston's hospitality remains open, but the welcome for England will depend on fan behaviour and whether they match Scotland's charm.
The shift from Scotland to England mirrors contrasting fan cultures: party atmosphere versus expectation-heavy support.