Founder of the England & Sheffield Wednesday band prepares for another international tournament
Sheffield Wednesday fan John Hemmingham is taking his trumpet to the United States this month
With the men's World Cup starting today - the England band plan to cheer on the Three Lions on from the stands - throughout the competition.
The 2026 men's tournament starts today across the United States, Canada, & Mexico.
John Hemmingham is the leader of both the England & Sheffield Wednesday band.
He's followed England at every major international tournament since 1998 - after he first started playing his trumpet at Hillsborough in 1993:
"I start most of the songs, but once we get going then there's no stopping us and everybody joins in.
"It's all spontaneous; it all depends what is going off on the pitch - which is our secret.
"We know what to do and when to do it.
"It's the best atmosphere in the world.
"It means everything to us, and it's all about supporting the team.
"If we can contribute just a little bit and get everybody singing - which means the players have an extra yard of speed or can get on the end of a cross, then that is fantastic.
"We're more than happy if we can help to build a slightly better atmosphere.
"You're only here once, aren't you?
"We do a few appearances and bits & bobs that we get paid for. It all goes in a pot, which is all used to help us get to these major tournaments.
"We've got a couple of nights in Nashville, and then we're driving 10 hours up to Dallas for the opening Group game.
"We'll then fly from Dallas to Boston for the next game, and then New Jersey.
"Hopefully then, we'll be in the knockout stages, and we could be going to either Toronto or Mexico, so there's going to be a lot of travelling."
England kick-off their World Cup campaign in Texas next Wednesday against Croatia in Group L.