Former England Lioness Kelci Bowers, 22, who was criticised for wearing an Argentina shirt during the World Cup, has spoken out after England's 2-1 semi-final defeat to La Albiceleste in Atlanta. Bowers, the girlfriend of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi, posted on her Instagram story: "Proud of my country."
Backlash for supporting Argentina
Bowers, a former England youth international and Bournemouth defender, has been uploading photos in Argentina's kit on social media, drawing criticism from fans. Before the match, she acknowledged the unusual situation, telling The Times: "I grew up wearing an England shirt and had the privilege of representing England, so that connection will always be incredibly strong."
She added: "When your partner is playing in one of the biggest games of his career, naturally you want him to do well too. I'll be supporting Marcos personally while still feeling incredibly proud whenever I see England on a stage like this."
Split allegiances
Bowers attended the match in Atlanta and celebrated with Senesi after the final whistle, but her social media post reinforced her allegiance to England. She said: "Supporting Argentina, embracing the culture in Argentina and posting on my social media wearing the Argentina shirt is something that I've been doing. And I don't really feel like there's anything wrong with that."
Bowers has 225,000 Instagram followers and is a footballer and model. She met Senesi at a photoshoot shortly after joining Bournemouth, when both modelled the club's retro kit launch at an old American-style diner on the beachfront. "It was actually my first week after signing for the club, and I hadn't really met anyone yet," she said. "During the shoot we had a few group photos together, as well as a couple of shots with just the two of us. Afterwards, we started chatting on Instagram."
Career moves
Senesi joined Bournemouth in 2022 and moved to Tottenham on a free transfer this summer. Bowers also left the Vitality Stadium after her contract ended in June. The couple's relationship has drawn attention throughout the tournament, with Bowers balancing pride in her English roots with support for her partner.
