Anticipation of England’s World Cup kick-off was building in the city of Volgograd on Monday.

Fans, many of whom had long-winded and expensive journeys, were still arriving in the city, formerly known as Stalingrad.

England v Tunisia
Fans in front of the Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd (Owen Humphreys/PA)

England manager Gareth Southgate spoke of the history of the place and “very strong” ties between Britain and Russia on Sunday, and this was marked by England fans who laid a wreath at the city’s memorial park.

The group, along with deputy British ambassador Lindsay Skoll, gathered in the Hall of Military Glory at Mamayev Kurgan.