King Charles III called for Scots to support England at the World Cup, but the question divides opinion. Two Daily Record journalists, chief reporter Mark McGivern and sportswriter Fraser Mackie, lock horns on the eternal question.
The Case Against Supporting England
Mark McGivern argues that it would be abnormal for any nation to switch allegiances to a larger, adjacent and dominant neighbour historically called “The Auld Enemy.” He says the “Anyone But England” sentiment is often misunderstood by English friends and relatives, who express astonishment and disappointment at the antipathy held by many north of the border. McGivern insists these feelings are not mean-spirited or jealous but normal sporting rivalry.
“It would be entirely abnormal for any nation to switch its allegiances to a larger, adjacent and dominant neighbour that has been referred to through the ages as ‘The Auld Enemy’,” he writes.
McGivern admits feeling a tiny bit of jealousy when the UK media endlessly discusses England’s latest bid to emulate the heroes of 1966. “I generally (genuinely!) wish the English have a good tournament. But I’d rather they don’t win it,” he says. He finds the endless projection of “England Expects” an endless drag, contrasting it with Scotland’s more modest expectations.
Like most of the world, McGivern says he’ll be drawn toward the underdog, which is usually Anyone But England. For England’s next match against DR Congo, he says: “I’ll be supporting DR Congo. Just as I would if they – or any other minnow underdog – were playing any of the big teams. This is normal.”
The Case For Supporting England
Fraser Mackie reveals he will be cheering for England alongside his English wife and children. He has never understood the scale of anti-English fervour in Scotland during major tournaments, calling it “tiresome” and growing “more distasteful and intolerant with every tournament.”
Mackie recounts how his son Riley didn’t feel comfortable putting his England flag out the bedroom window or wearing his England top to school after suffering anti-English abuse there previously. “An awful shame that he didn’t feel comfortable or safe to show his true colours,” Mackie writes. “You may wish to laugh it off as purely banter. However, if it’s not slightly sinister to suddenly get your hands on DR Congo flags – or whoever England’s next opponents are – then it’s small-minded.”
He argues that the same English Premier League stars who captivate Scottish fans every weekend become targets of vehement hatred when playing for England, teaching a future generation to do likewise. “It comes across as hatred, it’s hard to fathom and you wouldn’t get away with it against any other nation,” he says.
Mackie’s wife Jemma, a Yorkshire native, was genuinely shocked when a Rangers-supporting friend told her: “I’d let my son wear a Celtic strip before an England one!”
Conclusion: A Divided Nation
The debate reflects a longstanding cultural and sporting rift. While some Scots see supporting England as unthinkable, others embrace it as a gesture of friendship and family ties. Whatever the outcome of the World Cup, Scots will be watching – some hoping for England’s success, others rooting for anyone but them.
