England superfan shares handy matchday tips every football fan should know
Hands up if you have your own little matchday habit!
Some people wear the same lucky shirt every time their team plays because they won while wearing it. Others only watch games at one special pub. For me, it’s all about ordering the same pre-match pint and sitting in the exact same spot every time.
And we can’t forget that mate who’s been sent to the loos all season just because his team scored while he was away!
But according to England superfan Andy Milne – you know, “That World Cup Guy” who’s been to over 1,000 matches and always goes viral during big tournaments – we could take our matchday prep up a notch with something he calls “Match-Maxxing.”
Luckily, Andy has teamed up with EE to show us how it’s done.
Andy says: “Going to football is the best feeling ever, but there’s a real art to it. After seeing over 1,000 matches, I’ve learnt what works. Match-Maxxing means making every part of the day count, from your prep and rituals to the 90 minutes on the pitch. Staying connected on your phone is a big part of it now — whether it’s checking scores, sharing goals with mates, or sorting your trip home. With EE’s Fast Lane, I can do all that even in a packed stadium.”
First things first: protect your most valuable matchday tool – your voice.
Andy says true Match-Maxxers start 24 hours before kick-off by avoiding unnecessary chatting, singing, or shouting. If you’re really committed, you might even tape your mouth shut overnight to keep your vocal cords fresh.
Sounds extreme? Maybe. But when the last minute hits and everyone else’s voices sound wrecked, you’ll be the one still cheering loud and proud.
Your legs need love too. Nobody wants to explain at the pub that they pulled a muscle celebrating a winner. So make sure to stretch before the match. Think calf raises, quad stretches, and if you’re feeling confident, why not try a few practice knee slides?
Matchday nerves can hit anyone, but you can keep cool with deep breathing, positive thoughts, or a bit of meditation. If that doesn’t work, Andy suggests dunking your face in cold water for a quick reset.
One tricky part of modern matchdays is getting your phone to work in a crowded stadium. Missing the group chat reaction or being unable to send a goal celebration GIF is the worst!
That’s where EE’s new Fast Lane helps out.
With EE’s Full Works Plus plan, Fast Lane gives you a special 5G+ lane when the network is busiest. So even with tens of thousands of fans grabbing their phones nearby, you stay connected. To use Fast Lane, you need a 5G+ compatible plan, device, SIM, and to be in a 5G+ area in the UK.
Luciano Oliveira from BT says, “When the stadium fills up and excitement grows, staying online is super important but can get tough. Fast Lane gives customers a dedicated 5G+ lane during the busiest times, helping them share moments, check scores, and plan getting home. It’s a perfect way EE turns the UK’s best network into a real game-changer when it matters most.”
You won’t have to learn from the guy in front that a match somewhere else has changed the whole table — Fast Lane keeps you up-to-date with other scores even when the network is busy.
Plus, it means less time staring at a loading screen when you want your eyes on the pitch.
Lastly, don’t wait until everyone’s squeezing out to figure out how to get home or to the pub. Andy says as soon as the final whistle blows, get ahead by planning your trip while the crowd’s still leaving.
Again, Fast Lane makes it easier to get online when everyone’s trying to do the same.
So there you have it: save your voice, stretch out those legs, get your mind ready for anything, and sign up for EE’s Fast Lane so your phone’s set for everything from the group chat chaos to the trip home.
Being a football fan isn’t always easy — but with a bit of Match-Maxxing, it just got a whole lot better!
Want to learn more about EE’s Fast Lane on the Full Works Plus plan? Check it out here.