A man who spent £550 on a huge tattoo declaring England as World Cup 2026 winners has returned to the parlour to add the phrase “just joking!”.

Sean Carrington, from Wigan in Greater Manchester, was so sure the Three Lions would win the World Cup that he requested a foot-long trophy homage captioned “England World Cup Winner 2026” after the nation’s round of 32 victory over DR Congo.

However, the roofer has returned to the chair almost a month after England were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Argentina.

“I’m more bothered that England hasn’t won the World Cup than I am to have a tattoo on my leg,” the 36-year-old said, adding: “It’s not bothering me. It’s just a tattoo.”

Carrington said he did not regret getting the original tattoo and he “wouldn’t have done anything differently”.

He had the extra line added at the same parlour he had the original done, Holy Trinity Tattoo Studio in Standish, and said he was happy with the result.

He said it was “sound”, adding: “I didn’t really feel it.”

Asked whether he has plans for any more tattoos, He did not rule out the possibility of getting another football-related tribute in the future.

“I don’t plan any tattoo, it’s just if it pops in my head,” he said.

The parlour’s manager Jamie Taylor said the tattoo would normally have cost about £100, but they had decided to do the correction for free.

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