England fans face warning over World Cup chants that could trigger major punishment | OneFootball

England supporters could face a major consequence if they sing political chants during World Cup games

England supporters could be handed a big punishment if they are heard singing political chants during their side's World Cup games.

The Three Lions get their World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday when they take on Zlatko Dalic's Croatia at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.

Thomas Tuchel's men impressed when they beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up game last Wednesday, but they know the pressure is on now that the group stage is underway.

England have not played Croatia since getting the better of them in a European Championship group game in 2021, when Raheem Sterling's goal earned a 1-0 victory.

England supporters warned about punishment for political chants at World Cup

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Tuchel was forced into making a last-minute change to his Three Lions squad on Tuesday because Tino Livramento suffered a tournament-ending calf injury in a training session.

The Newcastle United full-back has been replaced by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah, who won the Club World Cup with the Blues last summer.

Meanwhile, England fixtures in major tournaments across both the men's and women's games have a notable ability to bring a sometimes divided nation together.

However, during the Three Lions' aforementioned warm-up clash with Costa Rica, supporters were heard singing a derogatory chant about Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, with a potential Labour leadership contest on the cards.

According to The Sun, the FA risk a 'major international penalty' if such chanting is repeated during the World Cup, and supporters could be ejected from stadiums if they are deemed to have crossed a line.

The report adds that travelling supporters also risk getting in trouble if they display flags that have weapons on them, including those that are designed to honour fallen soldiers.

Flags depicting images of poppies are permitted, though, as per The Sun.

Former EFL stars set to be at the forefront of England's World Cup clash with Croatia

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The nation is rightfully excited by the fact that England superstars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have excelled at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, respectively, in recent seasons.

Kane has enjoyed a particularly impressive campaign ahead of this summer's World Cup, notching 64 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, including three strikes in five Club World Cup outings last summer.

The Three Lions are also bolstered by the presence of Arsenal's Premier League title winners, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Bukayo Saka.

Meanwhile, winger Anthony Gordon has a spring in his step, having recently joined Barcelona from Newcastle.

Tuchel's squad owe a lot to the EFL too, with several current England stars having previously featured in the Championship, League One, and in some cases League Two.

Before establishing himself as a prolific striker for Tottenham Hotspur, Kane had loan spells with Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, and Leicester City.

Meanwhile, likely starting right-back Reece James excelled while on loan with Wigan Athletic in the Championship before becoming one of Chelsea's best players.