English fans transformed parts of Manhattan into a slice of “West Britain” on Saturday, crowding into neighborhood pubs to toast a 2-0 World Cup win over Panama.
Pints kept coming and songs rang out as supporters savored the uncommon joy of watching England secure a convincing victory.
“I’ve been here since half past one,” said Michael Jennison, 32, a Manchester native who joked that the celebrations had “held captive” him for nine hours at Smithfield Hall in Chelsea.
“This is a good way to be held captive,” he told The Post.
“I mean, it was always America. We call it West Britain… I came from Manchester… I went to the game in Boston,” he said.
“I spent $1,000 on the ticket, and it was a nil nil draw. Money well spent.”
Over at Jones Wood Foundry, the atmosphere moved from boisterous chants to a more measured sense of hope.
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“As an English fan, there’s always an element of… realism,” said Ed Furnell, 42, a UK native who now calls Brooklyn home.
“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 MetLife 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!’”
