Fans reckon they've spotted iconic grinning England supporter cheering for France at the 2018 World Cup

Eagle-eyed fans reckon they've spotted a legendary Englishman jumping ships to support France – well, sort of.

Despite its glaring controversies, the World Cup in Qatar has offered us some memorable moments.

One of which being the Steve McLaren doppelgänger Three Lions fan grinning from ear-to-ear while holding a shiny replica World Cup trophy.

The man, whose real name is Andy Milne, became an overnight internet sensation simply for looking absolutely buzzing to be in Qatar.

But in a bizarre turn of events, social media users reckon they've spotted Andy committing a cardinal sin by supporting France during last year's World Cup final.

FourFourTwo editor Ketch took to Twitter, saying: "Watched back the 2018 WC Final on the flight to Qatar. Is that… It is, isn’t it?"

Accompany his tweet was images of what appears to be Andy donning a French flag painted across his cheeks while cheering on Les Bleus as they lifted the World Cup.

English fans automatically assumed the worst and thought he'd done the unthinkable by ditching the Three Lions and choosing France.

But given the various stories coming out of Qatar, some other people questioned whether he was actually a 'paid' fan.

Turns out neither of those predictions are correct.

One person replied to the speculation with a photograph of an old newspaper explaining Andy's exploits – and it's very, very wholesome.

"He’s Actually a genuine guy," the tweet read.

"He’s been to every World Cup since he was 19! When England gets knocked out (usually the group stage) he joins in with whoever is having the most fun and has been the most welcoming!"

As if this bloke couldn't get any more likeable?

Cult hero Andy, who is a retired school teacher, has been travelling to World Cups for years but was only recently catapulted into the limelight.

"This is my eighth World Cup but it is the first time that I have been able to do so many games," Andy told the Mirror.

"It [the replica trophy] is a retirement present to myself, I have been saving for four years."

He added: "People are calling me 'That World Cup Guy'.

"I am not sure if the photo of me was after the first or second England goal [against Senegal].

"There was some trolling at first, but then came the really nice comments."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/BBC/@ketchell

Topics: England, Football World Cup, Qatar, France

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry