England fan group issue vital matchday advice for supporters heading to MetLife Stadium for Panama match

As England prepare to face Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Saturday 27 June, supporter group Free Lions have issued detailed matchday advice for travelling fans.

Covering transport, stadium rules, bag policies, hydration, fan embassy locations and where to eat and drink before the game, the guidance is essential reading for supporters heading to New Jersey for the 5pm local time kick-off.

Below is a full breakdown of the key advice England fans need to know.

England vs Panama: Transport Advice

Train

Free Lions say there are still $98 (£75) return train tickets available from multiple locations across New York City and New Jersey.

Fans should:

• Book via the official NJ Transit World Cup website
• Expect to be allocated a boarding group and receive a wristband, which must be kept for the return journey
• Note that the final train departs around three hours after full-time

Bus

The official $20 (£15) shuttle bus service from Manhattan is almost sold out, with only limited departures remaining from Midtown North at the time of writing.

Supporters should also be prepared for queues after the match as buses complete return shuttle runs.

Driving and Parking

Official parking at MetLife Stadium starts from around $225 (£175).

Free Lions note that while unofficial parking options were available near stadiums in Dallas and Boston, there is no guarantee similar alternatives will exist in New Jersey, so fans should have a backup plan.

The group also warns that much of the surrounding area is not easily walkable.

Taxis and Rideshare

Uber and other rideshare services will be available but are expected to be expensive, particularly after the match.

Drop-off and pick-up takes place at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, while an Uber return shuttle from the stadium costs $49 when booked through the app.

England vs Panama: What Flags You Can Bring Inside

• Flags up to 2m x 1.5m are permitted without prior approval
• Larger flags require approval before 5pm on the day before the match
• Fans needing the approval link are advised to contact Free Lions

MetLife Stadium Bags & Stadium Security

Supporters are reminded that MetLife Stadium operates a strict bag policy.

• Clear bags must be no larger than 12in x 6in x 12in
• Non-clear bags must be no larger than 4.5in x 6.5in
• Bag storage is available for $25

The group also confirms:

Permitted items

• Power banks
• Suncream in tube form
• One clear 590ml water bottle (caps may be removed)
• Free drinking water is available inside the stadium

Prohibited items

• Vapes
• Umbrellas
• Camera bags

Fans experiencing ticket issues can visit the ticket resolution centres at the stadium, while the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) matchday contact number is +44 7790 371105.

Supporters should also note that passports are required when purchasing alcohol inside the stadium.

England vs Panama: Eating & Drinking Options

With New York and New Jersey offering countless bars and restaurants, Free Lions have highlighted several recommended meeting spots for England supporters.

Manhattan

• Central Park Tavern
• Football Factory at Legends
• Smithfield Hall
• Peter Dillon's
• The Soccer Republic at McHale's
• Carragher's
• Tailor Public House
• Jack Doyle's
• Lady Wildes

Brooklyn

• Banter Bar
• McMahon's Public House
• Highbury Pub
• Radegast Hall & Biergarten
• Soccer Tavern
• Paddy's of Park Slope

New Jersey

• Green Rock (Hoboken)
• Mulligan's (Hoboken)
• Departed Soles Brewing Co. (Jersey City)
• Corkscrew Bar & Grill (Jersey City)
• O'Leary's Publik House (Jersey City)
• Varitage Brew Works (Bloomfield)

At or Near the Stadium

Fans looking to stay close to the ground are recommended:

• Redd's
• American Dream, the huge shopping and entertainment complex opposite the stadium, which opens from around 11am and offers numerous bars, restaurants and post-match options.

England vs Panama: Hydration Advice

Although temperatures are expected to be lower than those experienced in Texas earlier in the tournament, supporters are still advised to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Fans are encouraged to bring an approved water bottle, make use of the free refill stations inside the stadium and avoid leaving hydration until after entering the ground.

England Fans' Embassy & Support

Free Lions' Fans' Embassy will be based at Central Park Tavern on West 57th Street in Manhattan from midday until 5pm on Friday before relocating to American Dream on matchday, with exact timings and location to be confirmed.

Supporters can also collect Edition 202 of the Free Lions magazine.

Emergency Helpline

Fans needing assistance during their trip can contact the Free Lions 24-hour emergency helpline on: +44 7956 121314