Harry Redknapp backs campaign calling on England fans to bring fun back to the World Cup

World Cup summers are the peak of the football calendar for fans, but it seems some are struggling to get in the party mood. 

New research has revealed 70% of England supporters believe international tournaments have become too serious, while three in ten feel the beautiful game is now too commercial.

Many also said they miss the fan culture, personalities, and memorable chants that once defined major tournaments.

To help give fans a boost, BuzzBallz, which carried out the campaign, has launched ‘Show Us Your (Buzz)Ballz’, celebrating supporters who bring humor, spontaneity and optimism to tournament football.

As part of the campaign, the brand is giving away 21,866 BuzzBallz to adult fans, which is the exact number of days since England last won the World Cup.

The findings reveal pre-tournament negativity seeps away the moment England start winning, as nearly half (45%) have admitted to declaring ‘It’s Coming Home’ during a major tournament, while 35% said they started believing England could win after just one victory.

The findings come as Harry Kane and his teammates enter the tournament, the biggest World Cup in history, as one of the favourites, raising hopes of ending what is now 60 years of hurt.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp is backing the BuzzBallz campaign to get us all cheering on England with our pals.

Harry said: ‘Tournament football should be about mates, memories and having a laugh. Everyone gets so wrapped up in the pressure and expectation now, but some of the best football moments come when fans are just enjoying themselves.

‘That’s what I like about this project with the fans – it’s a bit outrageous, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and hopefully we’ll see some properly creative entries from fans over the summer.’

To take part, fans are asked to share photos and videos of the creative, funny, and unexpected ways they are enjoying the tournament with BuzzBallz, from matchday traditions to outrageous celebrations with friends.

The 21,866 BuzzBallz will be awarded to supporters who best capture the fun and unpredictability that make tournament football special. Full details regarding how to participate can be found by visiting Harry Redknapp’s Instagram account.