Boston wonders if England fans will match Scotland's welcome

In the shadow of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, Brandon Finnan, manager of the Cask 'n Flagon pub, is reflecting on the past fortnight. With the city hosting both of Scotland's first two World Cup matches since 1998, the Tartan Army descended in their tens of thousands. And venues like Brandon's enjoyed one of their busiest-ever spells.

"We probably ran out of almost every beer at some point, but it was a lot of fun," he said. "I think a lot of us took it for granted in a way. We didn't know what to expect really. We heard the Scottish were coming. And when they showed up, they showed up very deep!"

"Speaking for the city of Boston, we feel blessed. They've been amazing to us. They came in here. They've treated all the staff with nothing but respect. They took time to understand how our tipping works, they cleaned up. And I think they brought a lot of happiness to the city when we needed it. So it was very nice to see. The city really needed this positive atmosphere right now, and I think it's brought a lot more than we expected, so we're all for it and we wish it would last longer."

City embraces Scottish fans

Such sentiments are widely held here, after the city's people seemed to take the Scots to their hearts. Such was the bond that was forged, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent to establish Boston and Glasgow as 'sister cities'. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe newspaper took out a full-page advert in honour of the Tartan Army.

"You came for the World Cup, but gave us something more," it read. "For a week, you turned train stations into singalongs, Fenway into a football ground, and an ordinary June into something we'll be talking about for years."

Boston Red Sox President Sam Kennedy wrote to the Scottish FA thanking it for "something none of us will forget", after hundreds of fans visited Fenway Park for a regular-season baseball match on 14 June, lending the stadium a unique atmosphere. "Kilts and Scottish flags filled our ballpark with a spirit that has no equivalent in American sport," he wrote. "The Tartan Army treated our home like their own, and we are better for it."

England fans on the way

Most of the Scottish fans who remain in the US have now moved on to Miami for their final group match against Brazil on Wednesday (23:00 BST), replaced by between 10,000 and 15,000 England supporters before their game against Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST). So will the special relationship with British football supporters continue?

"I think England plays more of a favourite's role, whereas Scotland is more of an underdog, so I think it'll be a little bit different," added Brandon, who has now replenished his stocks of beer. "I think it'll be a little less wild. We've taken Scotland under our wings. We're in love with Scotland now, so we're on their side. I think there's a lot of other teams that people here would vote for besides England. But I think Scotland definitely jumped the list coming here."

The feeling is similar at The Dubliner pub in the city centre, which became a hub for Scotland fans during their stay. "The Scots kind of really took us over," said manager Brian McDonnell. "It's been nothing short of crazy, you know. They're an awesome crowd. Very understanding that we were slammed, that we were all working long hours. So they're a great gang to have and it's sad to see them go, but I'm sure there'll be other people rocking up to take their place."

When asked if England's fans will be afforded the same welcome, he added: "We won't maybe be hanging up an English flag outside as much as the Scottish flag, but they're still welcome and will still have a good time."

On Monday night, footage appeared to show Marcus Mumford - lead singer of folk band Mumford & Sons - being booed during a gig at Fenway Park after jokingly blaming the rainy weather on Scotland.