ISLANDERS are preparing to deploy their lucky shirts, unusual headwear and pre-match meals as England face Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
The match at Atlanta Stadium kicks off at 8pm, with the Three Lions hoping to book their place in Sunday’s final.
Ahead of the game, the JEP asked local football fans to share the rituals they believe will – or definitely will not – help England to victory.
For Sarah Alves’s family, that means her young son wearing a treasured England shirt that once belonged to her late great-uncle.
“My little boy has been wearing my great uncle’s England t-shirt. He gave it to me several years ago when we were reunited as a family… and it seems every time he’s been wearing it, it’s brought us good luck,” she explained. “My uncle has since passed away, so I say he’s watching down from above.”
Dawn Amanda Windsor (53), meanwhile, revealed that she had “not washed [her] England shirt from the start of the World Cup”.
Meanwhile, a lucky cushion has become essential viewing equipment for Sarah Hilton’s family – and the ritual is beginning to spread.
“Mum put a lucky cushion on her head in the DR Congo game, and ‘it worked’ for goals, so she sat the entire Mexico and Norway games with a cushion on her head, and now the neighbour got involved,” she said.
Another Islander told the JEP that he and his son must always sit in the same seat at home when they watch the match, but will swap with each other when things aren’t going so well – a trick that worked a charm during the previous Mexico face-off.
Hugo Stone had a rather simpler approach – albeit one the JEP does not suggest readers try: “12 pints.”
But not all Islanders will be deploying their superstitions for the good of England. Stuart Sebo Black joked that he would be cheering on Argentina – with the assistance of a Scottish-themed pre-match meal: “Square sausage, tattie scone and a side of haggis washed down with a bottle of Irn Bru.”
He continued: “Anyone but England!”
WIN A £50 VOUCHER
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing, we’d love to see how you’re cheering on your team.
Tag @JEPSport on Instagram or Facebook, or email sport@allisland.media with a photo of your match-day setup and reactions to some of the key game-changing moments. In the week leading up to the final, sports reporter Archie Corbett and sports editor Elliot Corbel will pick one winner.
You’ll win £50 to treat yourself to the perfect final spread at home – or, if you’re watching in a particular pub, we’ll put £50 behind the bar for food and drinks.
