England fans honour Martin Luther King's legacy in Atlanta ahead of Argentina World Cup semi-final

Hundreds of England supporters made a pilgrimage to Martin Luther King’s birthplace in Atlanta ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final against Argentina, paying tribute to the civil rights leader who was assassinated in the city in 1968.

Fans in England shirts were spotted throughout the historic Sweet Auburn neighbourhood — at King’s childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the nearby museum — turning a matchday into a moment of reflection before one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures.

Among those who made the visit were John Mills, 64, a safeguarding manager for British Ice Skating from Biddulph, near Stoke-on-Trent, and his friend Brian Jackson, 75, a retired project manager from Mansfield. The pair, both Mansfield Town supporters, had flown home after England’s group-stage games before returning for the knockout rounds.

“Atlanta has always been associated with Martin Luther King,” Mills said. “It’s been absolutely fascinating to see the house where he was born and the church where he preached. We’ve seen so many England fans here as well — lots of us had the same idea.”

The duo have made a habit of seeking out historic landmarks in each World Cup host city. In Dallas they visited the grassy knoll and the book depository museum connected to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In Boston they explored sites tied to the Boston Tea Party, and in New York they stopped at the Dakota building where John Lennon was shot.

Jackson said the trip would continue regardless of Tuesday’s result. “After this match we are flying to Memphis where we will visit Graceland — where Elvis lived. Then it’s up to New York and hopefully the final.”

King was born in Atlanta in 1929 and delivered his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington in 1963, urging Americans to reject racism and bigotry. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1968 at the age of 39.