On Saturday, Manhattan transformed into a lively British enclave as English fans flooded local bars to celebrate their team’s 2-0 World Cup triumph over Panama.
The atmosphere was electric, with beer flowing as liberally as the jubilant chants, as fans savored the rare thrill of witnessing such a convincing victory.
Among the revelers was 32-year-old Manchester native Michael Jennison, who admitted he’d been engrossed by the festivities for an impressive nine hours at Smithfield Hall, situated in Chelsea.
“This is a good way to be held captive,” Jennison remarked to The Post, basking in the joyous atmosphere.
Reflecting on the event, he added, “I mean, it was always America. We call it West Britain… I came from Manchester… I went to the game in Boston,” expressing the shared camaraderie of the occasion.
“I spent $1,000 on the ticket, and it was a nil nil draw. Money well spent.”
At Jones Wood Foundry, the mood shifted from rowdy singing to cautious optimism.
“As an English fan, there’s always an element of… realism,” said Ed Furnell, 42, who is from the UK and now lives in Brooklyn.
“We’re a very pessimistic supporting group.”
Other Britons might not be as ecstatic about the English victory.
“We are also quite sad that Scotland went out, but I’m not quite sure that Scotland would be too disappointed if we went out,” he continued.
Vincent Nash, 41, originally from London but now lives in New York, watched the game at Met Life Stadium and came to the Foundry to have a beer.
“Everyone had the flags up, everyone was having really good banter,” he told The Post.
“There are so many English people here, and everyone has had such a great time, and it’s just been really good.”
“Everyone was chanting ‘Come on England!’”