Football fans are enjoying the World Cup despite the lack of beer inside stadiums and the pricey hotel food and booze, says an England supporter in Qatar.

Qatar is reported to have spent in excess of £185 billion hosting this year's tournament, dwarfing the £11.6bn Russia spent in 2018.

Huge amounts have been plied into Doha's stadiums, hotels and other vital parts of infrastructure needed to host the biggest single-sport competition in the world.

But the knock-on effect has seen fan's pockets picked for huge sums for flights, hotels, food, booze and tickets.

The Middle Eastern country has also faced heightened scrutiny over its human rights record and its treatment of LGBT people, women and migrant workers – although some say parts of the criticism is hypocritical.

And while the tournament – being held in winter for the first time – will be like none before it England fans who have made the journey have not been disappointed.

Bricklayer Terry Matson, 61, from Sittingbourne told KentOnline it had gone "better than he thought".

"It is going well so far. Everything seems to be running good," he said. "The people are really helpful and the Metro system is really good."

So far the country's alcohol policy has been a prominent talking point with supporters paying extortionate prices in restricted areas such as hotel lounges far away from the action.

The sale of alcohol to fans at World Cup stadiums in Qatar was banned just two days before the tournament kicked off.

But Terry says the alcohol stadium ban had not dampened his enjoyment of the tournament.

"We found a place in the city centre who are showing the games on a massive screen," he said. "You are paying over the top but we are in comfort.

"Everywhere is air conditioned. You feel the air coming up the back of your legs in the stadiums."

Terry is in Qatar with his son Jordan to cheer on the Three Lions for his ninth World cup and caught the opening game against Iran.

The Sittingbourne dad has been to every one since 1982 except USA '94 when he stayed at home following England’s failure to qualify and France '98 after suffering a trapped nerve in his back.

Although Terry, who saves £100 a month to amass £4,800 for each tournament, says this one has proven the priciest to date.

The cheapest beer is Corona at £8.50 and he says he was charged £27 for "three tiny glass bottles of Coca-cola and a cappuccino" at one plush hotel when seeking shelter from the 27 degrees heat.

Compared to other tournaments he says it's been different but still a very enjoyable experience.

With son Jordan he has taken in games including Cameroon v Switzerland and Mexico v Poland.

In terms of accommodation, Terry opted for one of the cheaper hotel packages going but has not voiced any concerns.

They have their own room but share the basic washing facilities with other fans and say it has been pleasant so far.

Ahead of tonight's clash between England and the USA, the father and son will need to leave three hours early to get to the stadium which is more than 30 miles away with airport-style security checks at the turnstiles.

Supporters have been told they will not be able to attend while dressed as crusaders and will have to hand over plastic swords, according to The Times.

The newspaper quoted Fifa as saying: “Crusader costumers in the Arab context can be offensive against Muslims.”

Terry says security is taken very seriously in the capital city of Doha but he has not observed any issues.

"There has been no problems that we have seen so far," he said. "We have come across fans from Argentina and Mexico and they have talked to us."

"There is police everywhere but you only see a few with pistols and pepper spray."

At past world cups in Brazil and Russia the Three Lions fanatic says it has not been uncommon for the travelling faithful to be watched at games by security dressed incognito.

But so far he says he hasn't been aware of any "spotters in the stands" and each game has had a jovial and well tempered atmosphere.

Despite the match ending in a dour nil-nil draw, Terry says one of the most enjoyable experiences so far was attending the Group C fixture between Mexico and Poland.

But it was the passion of the Mexican fans in the stands at Qatar's temporary 974 stadium that most impressed the bricklayer.

"I believe the best supported country is Mexico, " he said "We went to the game [against Poland] and were right there with the Mexican fans singing and having photos with them.

"They really love there football. It was just a pity it wasn't a good game. But we are enjoying it here, filling up days going to games."

Terry quips he hasn't had the chance to get "tanned up" yet but if England keep playing well and make it through he may have greater opportunity.

If England do make it to the final on December 18 it will cost die-hard fans like Terry a pretty penny.

While fans in Russia paid an average of £214 for a seat, tickets to matches in Qatar cost an average £286, according to a study by Keller Sports.

The ticket prices in Qatar are the most expensive ever for World Cup games in the last 20 years, with those for the final 59% higher than four years ago, according to the study by the Munich-based sports outfitter.

Through his membership of the England Supporters Travel Club Terry and his son got tickets for the opening game against Iran for £50.

But if the Three Lions go all the way it will set them back £560-£570 a piece.

England will look to build on their 6-2 win against Iran when they travel to the Al Bayt Stadium tonight.

A win will seal the Three Lions’ place in the knockout stages.