Three friends who went to the England vs Ghana match dressed as three lions say they felt like celebrities with everyone taking their pictures.

Ernie Bennett along with Charlie Gould and Alfie Hewison, all 17, made the journey across the pond to watch the England team take on the African side on June 23.

The lads were hoping for a Boston fixture as Ernie’s auntie emigrated to Massachusetts and a match there meant their accommodation was sorted.

Ernie said: “This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and it’s been amazing.

Ernie Bennett along with Charlie Gould and Alfie Hewison, all 17, made the journey across the pond to watch the England team take on the African side on June 23.

placeholder image — Ernie Bennett along with Charlie Gould and Alfie Hewison, all 17, made the journey across the pond to watch the England team take on the African side on June 23.

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw the fixtures and that England would be playing in Boston.”

The friends, who all went to Buxton Community School, had to enter several ticket ballots to be able to buy a ticket.

At £450 each Ernie said it was a lot of money but sometimes you ‘can’t put a price on a good time’.

The idea of wearing lions outfits to represent the three lions had been joked about but then Alfie bought them months in advance and the trip just decided to put them on and have a good time.

The pitch beofre England kicked off against Ghana. Photo Ernie Bennett

Ernie said: “We never thought when we put them on it was a big deal but people were stopping to have their picture with us.

“We must have taken about 70 photos with strangers that day.”

The friends were even shown on British television in the pre match content.

Ernie said: “The match was incredible.

The Buxton friends were match ready and even ended up on the pre match coverage as they were dressed as the three lions.

“The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever seen or been part of before at a football game.”

While the lads only had tickets to one game they have watched the other matches as well as doing touristy things and seeing the sites.

For Ernie it was his third trip to America but the first for Charlie and Alfie.

Ernie added: “We’ve travelled to America to watch the world cup, we’ve done it together dressed up as the three lions.

“That’s what life is for isn’t it? Going out and living it.”

The friends travelled home on Monday, July 6 ahead of Saturday’s quarter final match and the three lions outfits might make another appearance on home soil.