Our Faker's Guide series will give you the scoop from the loudspeaker of the city’s most committed soccer (or footie) savants as they get ready to root their national team on to glory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The plus side for the soccer uninitiated is that, right here, you'll find all you need to sound in the know.

Today marks the first game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup (June 12 to July 13) as host nation Brazil battles Croatia in the beautiful, and just-about-done stadium in Sao Paulo. With our own national team staying home as per usual, Toronto comes alive with international allegiances from frenzied football supporters. 

This edition spotlights merry ole England, a club that Torontonians should be able to relate to since they haven’t won since 1966. They’re coming out of Group D with a big match against Italy this Saturday. We got in touch with mega-fan Andy Humphrey, and Rich Maybury, who is club liason officer for the Manchester United Supporters Club of Canada and is also running The Official England House out of Piper’s Pub and Grill (782 St. Clair Ave. W.) during the World Cup. We’ll turn it over to them for the rundown.

If you could describe how big a footie fan you are in one memory what would it be? 

Andy: I think the fact that I videotaped over the first year of my daughter’s life with a Chelsea game probably says a lot! Football is my religion—I watch it every Sunday.

Rich: Massive. It has been in my blood for years and I eat, sleep and live for football.

How far back does your fandom go?

Andy: As far back as I can remember—almost 50 years now!

Rich: I grew up in Manchester UK, my family were all City fans and my Dad supported Liverpool, so when I became a United fan (first in my family history) at five years old, they were confused, but I loved the strip, the players, I just was a United fan from day one. I have obviously been following England since as young as I can remember.

What are England’s actual chances this year? 

Andy: From a proud Englishman, our heart always says we’re going to win but the head says we’ll be lucky to get out of the group stage—especially based on our warm-up games this year.

Rich: I am very biased as a proud Englishman. I think we have the talent to go far, but in my past experiences, I have been let down all of my life. I am praying we get through the group stages and after that anything is possible. Footie is a crazy game and you never know what can happen.

What is the nickname of the team?

Andy: The Three Lions.

Do you have a favourite piece of memorabilia or football swag?

Andy: My favourite piece of memorabilia would be my first season ticket I received when I was 17.

Rich: I have a signed George Best United shirt, a football signed by Sir Bobby Charlton, an Eric Cantona shirt (these three are most important to me).

What should I never say about English footballers? 

Andy: Never say that they’re divers!

Rich: Anything bad, especially if you are around an Englishman at the time! Don’t get me wrong, I slag them off on the pitch for underachieving but we are very loyal to our players and I have had a few rumbles in my life by opponents slagging off our national players.

What is the drink of choice for a true England football fan?

Rich: A cold pint of whatever beer you can get your hands on!

Who are the best players that I can recognize and sound like I know what I'm talking about?

Andy: Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard would be the most well-known players, so are a safe bet for discussion. Most people would argue that Rooney is our best player.

Rich: Wayne Rooney, Stevie G (Gerrard), and Joe Hart are the three most recognizable.

And who are some of the old guys that I can make fun of?

Rich: Frank Lampard.

Who is their arch nemesis?

Andy: Definitely Germany—they beat us all the time.

What is the big question mark going into this World Cup?

Andy: Is this ‘transitional’ England team going to sink or swim? The players selected are really the team for the future and therefore a gamble. Will the choice to leave out experienced players in favor of younger talent pay off? Or should we have stuck with our old guard? From the point of view of most England fans, we hope that these younger players get the game time to really show what they can do. England has relied on their more experienced players in recent tournaments with high expectations but they have shown no real results. Going into this World Cup with a relatively inexperienced squad, the expectation of the players is lower, therefore we hope they can play to their potential.

Rich: Whether the heat and time difference will affect our players. We have a tough group going in, so to get through will be a high bonus. 

Where are a few good bars to watch an England game here in Toronto?

Andy: A few good choices would be Scallywags at Yonge and St.Clair, Football Factory at Bathurst and Richmond or Dog & Bear Pub at Dovercourt and Queen West.

Rich: I am running the “Official England House” from Pipers on St Clair Avenue West. 

What should I be shouting during the match? 

Andy: Always the National Anthem before kickoff, and “Come on England!” or “England!” along with the brass band is tradition. 

Rich: C’mon England, or ROOOOOOOOONEY.

If they win, do I sing some sort of song or just high five people? 

Andy: Everyone sings "The Three Lions (Football’s coming home)."

Rich: No high fives. Sing "Engerlund, Engerlund, Engerlund" and jump up and down.

What should I wear?

Andy: Usually a replica shirt or at least a t-shirt with England on it. People often wear an England flag draped around them, too.

Rich: England's colours are white or red. Either will work as long as that’s the colour they are wearing for each game.

How will I recognize and approach other legitimate England football fans?  

Andy: They will be loud, opinionated and have a pint in their hand. When approaching, do not call football soccer!

Rich: They will be pale and drunk and top-to-tail in England scarves, flags, tattoos and swearing a lot. Buy them a pint and you will be golden!