Fan Adds ‘Only Joking’ to England World Cup Tattoo After Defeat
Fan may get only joking added – Sean Carrington, a 36-year-old from Wigan, Greater Manchester, is reconsidering his bold tattoo of the World Cup trophy after England’s semi-final exit to Argentina. The phrase “England World Cup Winner 2026” on his foot-sized design, which cost £550, now might include “only joking” to reflect the recent loss. The tattoo was initially a celebration of the team’s victory over DR Congo, but the defeat has left Sean questioning his choice and adding a touch of humor to his statement.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Match
Sean attended the England match at Manchester’s Depot Mayfield fanzone, where the crowd’s excitement mirrored his own early optimism. The atmosphere turned electric when Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute gave England the lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after a late goal by Argentina, leaving the fans—and Sean—disappointed. “The mood was crazy until the very end,” he said. “But we sat back and gave it away. It was depressing—it ended up so flat.”
The Tattoo Studio’s Skepticism
The design was created at Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in Standish, where staff initially questioned Sean’s decision. Manager Jamie Taylor noted Sean’s certainty despite the permanence of the ink. “He was adamant,” Taylor remarked. “I was dubious at first and told him it was permanent and wouldn’t wash off.” The studio’s doubts were echoed by other workers, who highlighted the irony of the tattoo’s timing as Sean’s confidence in England’s World Cup chances wavered.
Sean, who described himself as “a bit of a joker,” admitted it was his first tattoo of this scale. He has eight others, mostly family names, and admitted to being impulsive in his decisions. The idea for the tattoo took shape during a holiday in Tenerife, where friends encouraged him to commit to the design. “I’ve not done anything like this before,” he said, revealing how the moment of inspiration was born from a lighthearted bet.
Sean’s decision to delay the tattoo until his return to the UK proved timely, as the match’s outcome sparked a wave of online discussions. Jordan Stringfellow, a studio worker, noted Sean’s sense of humor, saying, “He won’t be bothered. He always knew it was a joke and a good craic.” The staff also recalled similar instances in past tournaments, where premature tattoos “jinxed” the team’s success. For example, a tattoo of the England flag with “It’s Coming Home” during the Euros became a viral symbol of fan hope and eventual disappointment.
With the defeat now a reality, Sean is reflecting on the emotional impact of the match. He took the day off work to process the result and expressed surprise at the tattoo’s unexpected attention. “It went viral,” he said, acknowledging the irony of his design becoming a meme. While he remains a loyal England supporter, he’s now more cautious about future tattoos, calling himself “too tender” to make bold declarations. “I’ve no regrets about this one,” he concluded, though the outcome has reshaped his perspective on the phrase he once celebrated.
