Prairie Village and nearby neighborhoods of Overland Park are buzzing over England’s rise through the standings to the World Cup semifinals. A group of fans waited outside the barrier surrounding the team’s hotel in Meadowbrook Park Monday afternoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of them as the team returned from practice in Kansas City, Missouri.

Local Support

Overland Park resident Nico Armijos, 13, had a handmade sign to hold up, asking for star player Jude Bellingham’s autograph. Bellingham has been one of the breakout stars of this World Cup, scoring six goals and playing a key part in England’s march through the tournament.

Overland Park resident Alicia Hering, and her son Houston, 10, were also waiting in the park on Monday. Houston has already met the players once, when he and a friend went to one of the team’s early practices and got autographs and photos with them.

Community Impact

Having the England team nearby has had an energizing effect on others, too. Local businesses have been feeling the rush of having not just the World Cup but the England team nearby. The Made in KC store in Corinth Square has been selling yard signs to support England and shirts that combine Kansas City with England’s flag and the team’s Three Lions symbol.

Prairie Village City Hall is also showing support by flying England’s national flag, St. George’s Cross, this week, between the American flag and Kansas state flag. Mayor Eric Mikkleson said, ‘What an honor and privilege it has been to host Team England in Prairie Village.’

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.