JAKARTA – Justin Adrian Untayana, Secretary of Commission E of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI Jakarta), shared his excitement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the global football event held every four years.
He expressed strong confidence that England will lift the trophy in this edition of the tournament.
The politician from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) said that England has always been his favourite team since his teenage years in every World Cup he has followed.
"I grew up in the 1990s, when there were players like Rooney, Beckham, and Michael Owen, who were my idols. That’s why I have a special affection for the England national football team," Justin said on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Although the stars he admired in his youth have now retired, his love for the England national football team remains strong.
In the 2026 World Cup, he has found new favourites among England’s young talents such as Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham.
"But my all-time favourite England player is, of course, Wayne Rooney," he added.
Justin admitted that every World Cup brings him the same level of enthusiasm to watch international football matches.
He revealed that he doesn’t have any special rituals like buying jerseys or memorabilia; he simply enjoys watching the matches.
"I’m definitely enthusiastic, but I’ve never had a ‘ritual’ of buying a jersey for every World Cup. Maybe because back then my pocket money was limited, and since then I’ve just never made it a habit," he explained.
Among all the World Cup editions, the 1998 tournament remains the most memorable for him.
At that time, he was 18 years old and deeply passionate about football, especially since England’s squad featured big names like David Beckham.
The moment he remembers most vividly was the Round of 16 clash between England and Argentina, where the Three Lions fell to La Albiceleste.
Justin recalled the match as a dramatic encounter that ended 2-2 after extra time.
David Beckham’s red card marked a turning point in the game, and England eventually lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout after Paul Ince and David Batty failed to convert their kicks from the spot.
"The 1998 World Cup, when England faced Argentina, I’ll never forget Beckham’s red card and how England eventually lost to Argentina," he concluded.
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