England fans cycle to Russia for World Cup - and to raise money for Bobby Moore charity

Two England football fans are heading to Russia for the FIFA World Cup, pedalling all the way from Hampshire to raise money for the cancer charity, The Bobby Moore Fund – set up in memory of the late West Ham star who as captain lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley Stadium in 1966.

James Marriott and Mitch Jones are riding through eight countries to arrive in Volgograd for England’s opener against Tunisia on Monday, reports The Sun.

According to The Sun, the pair were planning to sustain themselves on peanut butter and banana sandwiches during the three-week 2,400-mile trip, although Mitch had another top nutritional tip.

The 24-year-old said: "I've just been working at Nando's every day, eating chicken."

Ahead of the journey, James, aged 28, said: "Do we have a plan? No. The sun rises in the east... we'll just cycle towards the east and we'll get to Russia eventually.

"We know we're going to be stopping off in Berlin... it will take us about five days to get there.

"Then through Poland, Ukraine and then into Russia."

He added: My training has been sinking a few steins back in Berlin, thinking about bikes, seeing people riding bikes ... looks quite easy, I think I can do that.

Weight weenies will be pleased to hear that the pair have thought that through, too, keeping their baggage to a minimum.

They said: "We've taken a tent, sleeping bags and cycling gear.

"Two sets of clothes; one for when we're cycling and one for when we're not cycling.

“Keep it light.”