ONE die-hard England fan from Halesowen is hoping the Three Lions brush Croatia aside this evening so he can head out to Russia and watch the team live in a World Cup final for the second time.

Roger Homer was just 19 when he stood on the terraces at Wembley in 1966 to watch England lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.

The 71-year-old has tickets for the 2018 final – but will only head out to Russia with grandson Harley Bedford, 13, should Gareth Southgate’s young side beat Croatia tonight.

Roger said: “I was 19 at the time of the 1966 final and I’ve been waiting ever since then for another chance.

“I’m a member of the England Supporters Club and have been to a couple of World Cups, most recently Japan and South Korea in 2002 and Germany in 2006, but I struggle to go to the whole tournaments recently due to the length of them – and my age!

“But I make sure I go to every England game, and if we get to the final I have my tickets and I will be there.”

During the 1966 World Cup, Roger was present at 10 matches – including the 4-2 victory over West Germany which saw his country claim the title.

The lifelong West Bromwich Albion supporter said: “My cousin and I had bought a 10 match season ticket for what now would be about £3.87 and a ½p.

“I think tickets for the final would be the equivalent of 50p!

“I saw three group matches at Villa Park, three group games at Hillsborough, a quarter final at Hillsborough, a semi-final at Goodison Park, the third place play off at Wembley and the final at Wembley.

“I saw all of West Germany’s games, as well as seeing Argentina, Spain and Switzerland in the group matches and the Uruguay quarter final.

“I also got to see the great Eusebio score a penalty in the third place play off.

“I’ll always remember the final was on the day of my sister’s 25th birthday party, but we wouldn’t miss the final.

“I still have my programme and tickets from the final, and I have my union jack flag – as there were no St George’s crosses back then – and my red, white and blue cap and rosette.

“My main memories of the final was seeing Nobby Styles’ jig up close. He came right over to the corner where I was stood.

“I was in the Albion supporters club for 15 years and when Nobby Styles was our manager I told him that I was right there when he did his dance.”

Roger and Harley are now hoping England will get over their 52 years of hurt and make it all the way to Sunday’s final and a match against France.

He added: “Fingers crossed we can beat Croatia. I think it’s 50/50 at the moment. Anything could happen, but I will be willing them to win on Wednesday.”