Will Scots back the Three Lions against Argentina - or is it 'anyone but England'?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Will Scots back the Three Lions against Argentina - or is it 'anyone but England'? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England vs Scotland is the oldest international rivalry in football ByAngus CochraneSenior journalist, ScotlandPublished14 July 2026Updated 23 minutes agoEngland are two games away from ending 60 "years of hurt". The first hurdle is an epic World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

But for real hurt, as anyone north of the border will tell you, try supporting Scotland. The men's team at least managed to join the party in the United States this year, albeit briefly. As the Tartan Army reminisces about those heady June days in Boston and Miami, a debate is emerging:Should Scots back their near neighbours, or support anyone but England?

The Details

The Scottish town that started supporting Norway 86 years ago Published3 days agoFrom Boston to Miami: How the Tartan Army lit up the World Cup Published28 JuneTartan Army has 'brought new life' to America's smallest state Published17 JuneScotland versus England is the original international football rivalry, dating back to 1872. Both countries lay claim to being the inventors of the sport and in the early days the fixture was dominated by the Scots, who popularised the passing game. By 1966, England were World Cup champions.

Scotland, meanwhile, have never made it past the first round. This year, qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998, Scotland's men's team were again unable to break that curse. As England progress, possibly to a final, some Scottish football fans are making tricky decisions about where their loyalties lie.

'How could we live with an England win? 'Image caption, Hamish Husband says the Tartan Army became "more popular than Taylor Swift in the USTartan Army organiser Hamish Husband, who was partly brought up in England and supports Carlisle United, does not watch England games. "I feel too guilty about wanting them to lose," he tells Scotland News.

What Experts Say

As for a second World Cup title for England, Hamish asks rhetorically: "How could we live with it? " It's not about the players, the manager, or the fans, he explains. "England is our big brother, and sometimes you don't want your big brother to do well, do you?

Foremost in his thoughts is the media reaction to any English World Cup victory. He says: "The Dutch don't watch German national games with German commentators, but we watch England games with English commentators talking about 'our nation', 'our country'. " What information do we collect from this quiz?

Perhaps it should surprise no-one that a country whose national anthem reminisces about sending an invading English army homeward "tae think again" does not stand four-square behind the "Auld Enemy". But that, of course, is just a soundbite. Scots' feelings are more complex.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.