Superstitious England Fans Ramp Up Their 'Lucky' Pre-Game Rituals

When it comes to sports, most people understand how important it is to do everything in their power to ensure that their team wins. Fans have been known to engage in superstitious behavior for as long as there have been teams to get behind. Chariot races in Ancient Roman times? You betcha there were people who refused to change their togas until their favorite chariot crossed that line first.

Currently, England fans are getting particularly nervous since their soccer team has a decent shot at the World Cup final. Several people took to Twitter to reveal the superstitious behavior they have adopted so as not to jinx their team’s chance at the cup.

First, you have your typical folks who refuse to change a particular part of their wardrobe in the off-chance that it has somehow contributed to the team’s success thus far:

Right time to be honest. Who is still doing strange things today because they are superstitious and think that it will help England win? I’m wearing the same t-shirt I’ve worn for all the games

— Rob Beckett (@robbeckettcomic) July 11, 2018

Surely I ain't the only one whos dressed the same for every England knockout game? Superstition through the roof 😂😂

— Scott (@ScottCurwen) July 11, 2018

Then you’ve got those who refuse to groom:

I was meant to get a haircut before the first game and didn't, I'm now refusing to get one until England win it or get knocked out, can't jinx it.

— Josh Payne (@Joshh_Paynee) July 11, 2018

Then there are those who firmly believe that grime and funk are involved in their team’s wins:

My husband won’t wash his England jersey for “good luck”. Send help and lots of Febreeze.

— Noelle Acosta (@noelleacoss) July 11, 2018

This guy is such a fan that he won’t even watch the games for fear that he’ll ruin everything for them:

I’ve missed every England game through work but I genuinely can’t watch now incase I jinx it. You’ll be delighted to learn I’m working tonight and Sunday… ITS COMING HOME ⚽️🏠

— Matt Toms (@Matt_Toms) July 11, 2018

And yes, some say that bird poop is good luck, but this might be stretching it a bit:

A bird just pooped on my arm… I have never been pooped on before .. that’s good luck right?!! IT’S COMING HOME 😂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/3sJLQtzx2c

— Katharine Merry (@KatharineMerry) July 11, 2018

And then there’s this guy who is pretty much afraid to blink differently until England brings the cup home:

Lucky socks ✔ Lucky Pants ✔ Same England Shirt ✔ Same route to work ✔ Same lunch as last time ✔ Same pub tonight ✔ This is not groundhog day…. this is planning and preparation #itscomimghome #CROENG

— Steve H20 Events (@berti1976) July 11, 2018

Who knows? Maybe it’s all that lucky ju-ju from unwashed socks and jerseys that is keeping the team going!