England's two super-fans are returning to the World Cup tomorrow with a gruelling journey of “Planes, trains and automobiles” … and have thrown in a boat as well.
England’s supporters Neal Weekes, 57, and Fil Sollof, 57, face a gruelling trip to make the quarter final.
This afternoon they are getting the tube to Heathrow, flights to Doha via Istanbul before getting a taxi to the game.
After the match they will have a night on the ocean waves with a cabin on the cruise ship MSC World Europa which is moored at the port of Doha.
The lengthy journey has echoes of “ Planes, Trains and Automobiles” the iconic 1987 film starring John Candy and Steve Martin which followed the journey home of the pair using any form of transport possible.
Tell us about how you are getting to Qatar. Email Andy.Lines@mirror.co.uk
Neal and Fil fly back to London on Sunday - but incredibly will return to Qatar on Tuesday if England win.
When they arrive in Istanbul tonight they will grab a night’s sleep at an airport hotel.
They will then fly into Doha in the morning.
They only left Qatar last Monday after England’s win over Senegal after watching all of the Three Lions games so far.
Neal said: “We wouldn’t miss this quarter final match against France for the world.
“I really think it could now be coming home.”
Fil added: “It’s been pretty tiring but worth it.
“Let’s hope Harry Kane and the team can play well tomorrow and reach the World Cup final just like they did in Russia back in 2018.”
Former non-league football players Neal, 57, an auctioneer, from Greenwich, south east London, and pal property services owner Fil, 57, from Loughton, Essex, are at their sixth World Cup together.
Last week Mirror Online told how they had visited all eight of the tournament’s stadiums in and around the Qatari capital Doha.
Neal added: "When we first came out we did 12 games in 14 days and went to every stadium. It's been an amazing tournament.”
The pals are both Spurs season ticket holders.
The dedicated football fans have also cheered on teams at all 92 English league grounds.
Their schedule:
Today:
- Noon leave work on tube (Central and Elizabeth line)
- 4.15pm leave Heathrow Terminal 2 10.25pm arrive in Istanbul.
- **11pm Walk to the airport hotel.
Saturday:
- 7.50am flight to Doha. 12.05pm arrive Doha.
- 1pm Taxi to Red Lion pub for buckets of beer 8pm Uber to Al Bayt stadium.
- **Midnight (or later is it goes to penalties!). Taxi to stay on cruise ship MSC World Europa.
Sunday:
- 1.35pm Leave Doha. 6.20pm Land Istanbul
- **8pm Leave Istanbul
- **9.05pm land Heathrow.
Tuesday:
- (Return to Doha if win)
