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Should Scotland cheer on England at the World Cup?

10 July 2018

Scottish football fans are renowned for .

But given the Auld Enemy’s success in Russia, is it time for Scots to cast off their historical reservations and support their neighbours’ historic World Cup run?

Those who say 鈥榶ay鈥�

Scotland is a far more cosmopolitan country now 鈥� much more aware
Brian Beacom, Journalist

Journalist Brian Beacom was on 大象传媒 Radio Scotland’s Shereen to talk about how he believes Scotland no longer bears any grudges towards the England football team.

“I don’t think there’s been a poll carried out [...] but I would imagine we have moved on.”

Brian explained that Scots know most of the English team well, meaning there’s now a connection and affinity with the players taking part in Russia.

“We just love great talent and I think the World Cup has been all about that.”

The Scottish songwriter supporting England

Chris Bradley wrote a song, Put a Smile on England’s Face, which declares his support for England. He’s now urging fellow Scots to join him.

“I think there’s a misconception that [Scots are] all up here baying for [England’s] blood in the major tournaments and it’s just not true.”

Obviously there are plenty of Scots who would gladly see England fail, but Chris isn’t one of them. He believes that it would benefit Scotland if England were to win the World Cup.

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Supporting England In The World Cup | Up For Discussion

Is it really that bad for a Scottish person to support England in the World Cup?

Those who say 鈥榤aybe鈥� 鈥� tennis legend Andy Murray

When asked who he was supporting at the 2006 World Cup, Andy Murray answered “anyone but England.”

This was meant to be tongue-in-cheek answer, but and had to clarify his comments.

There have been claims of ‘us vs. them’ sentiment throughout Murray’s career, with some saying that the tennis star had to deal with a media bias of being British when he won and Scottish when he lost.

This was disproved by academic researchers and Murray went on to win the hearts of the British public by winning Wimbledon twice.

Murray has even gone on to show a respect for the England team, as seen in the video above (from 2016).

Those who (mostly) say 鈥榥ay鈥�

大象传媒 Three came to Glasgow to see where Scots’ allegiances lay and how they would manifest themselves during the England vs. Panama game (2018)

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