England fans arriving in Boston for the World Cup have failed to replicate the warm reception enjoyed by Scotland's Tartan Army, with a local news report highlighting the fierce rivalry between the neighbouring nations.
Boston news outlet WCVB Channel 5 took to the streets to ask England supporters whether they could win over the city as Scotland fans had. The video, posted on TikTok with the caption 'Scotland stole Boston's heart but can England win the city over?', quickly went viral after England fans responded with chants of 'Scotland get battered everywhere they go' and dismissive remarks about the Scots' football fortunes.
Scotland's lasting impression on Boston
Around 10,000 Scotland fans descended on Boston for the first two group stage matches against Haiti and Morocco, dressed in kilts and playing bagpipes. They filled bars from morning until night, and their good-natured approach quickly won over locals. Social media was flooded with stories of Scotland fans drinking with locals, posing for photographs, and turning Boston into a sea of tartan.
American media outlets regularly covered the atmosphere created by the supporters, and locals openly admitted they had fallen in love with the Tartan Army. As Scotland fans moved on to Miami for the match against Brazil, England fans arrived in Boston, prompting the question of whether they could leave the same impression.
England fans' response draws criticism
In the WCVB clip, a reporter approached several England fans and asked what they thought of the Tartan Army. The first pair responded by chanting 'WHO? WHO? WHO?' directly at the reporter. Another fan offered a more graceful response, saying: 'Scotland? I respect them.' But another supporter seemed keen to remind the reporter of Scotland's football fortunes, saying: 'Oh my god, I don't think we need to. I think unfortunately, they're already on their way home aren't they?'
The report then cut to a larger group of England fans chanting: 'Scotland get battered everywhere they go,' while clapping their hands in the air. The most notable moment came from behind the camera, when a loud American voice could be heard interrupting the English chanting about the Scots as they screamed: 'Let's go Scotland!'
Online reaction favours Scotland
The clip quickly gained attention online, with many viewers arguing that the attitude of the English fans explained why Scotland supporters had become such favourites among Boston residents. One social media user wrote: 'And thats why you don't win people's hearts,' while another stated: 'At least we ain’t delusional. We are there for fun and happiness and that we we are loved and English aren’t with that attitude.'
A third said: 'I’d rather my nation be loved for who we are and how our friendliness and love for fun endears other people than how well we kick a ball about a park - just saying.' Another user simply joked: 'ANYWAYYYY…No Scotland, No what?!?!'
