Steve McClaren Look-Alike Shows Support for Lionesses in Australia after Attending Eight Men’s Tournaments
Andy Milne, a beloved fan and Steve McClaren look-alike, has made an appearance in Australia to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening matches.
Known for his infectious enthusiasm and resemblance to former English football player Steve McClaren, Milne gained popularity during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Spotting Milne near Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, England supporters flocked to take selfies with him, some even wearing Steve McClaren face masks, while he held a replica trophy.
Dubbed as ‘that World Cup guy,’ Milne has been supporting England at every Men’s World Cup since he was 19 but had never attended a Women’s World Cup.
In response, Tourism Australia extended a warm welcome to Andy and his daughter Laila, who currently resides in Sydney, to attend the tournament.
Hailing from Northwich, Cheshire, Milne has been a long-time advocate for women’s sports. He played a pivotal role in establishing the girl’s football team at The Grange School in Cheshire, ensuring his daughter Laila could participate.
Excited about his 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. 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 reigning European Champions, will play their first match against Haiti on Saturday 20 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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 cheering 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, supporting Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in their opening match and watching the Matildas face Ireland’s Girls in Green on Thursday 20 July.
During his visit, Andy also met up with enthusiastic footy TikToker @samanthajademiller in Sydney.