Agencies
Lashkar Gar, Jun 21: English troops in southern Afghanistan cheered and groaned in the desert as their team drew 2-2 in a tense World Cup game against Sweden in Germany on Tuesday.
Downing their guns to watch the match on a wide-screen satellite TV at Lashkar Gar, a British military base in restive Helmand province, about 60 soldiers, men and women, stayed up long into the night to support their team.
“It was a good first-half but a terrible second-half,” said Corporal Phil Buckan, dressed, like many of his fellow soldiers, in an England t-shirt.
“It is great for morale to be able to take time out to watch England play at the World Cup.”