The ancient debate has resurfaced: will Scotland's football faithful back their southern neighbours in their quest for World Cup glory or maintain the age-old tradition of sticking it to England? The tantalising prospect of a semi-final showdown with Argentina on Wednesday is throwing up some tricky questions among fans north of the border, not least because of the deep-seated sporting rivalries that have been simmering since 1872.
Scotland's men's team may have made a brief but ultimately forgettable appearance at this year's World Cup – their first in over two decades – while England's progress has sparked a mix of emotions among Scottish supporters. It's a contrast that highlights the enduring power of the rivalry between these two nations, with roots dating back to the early days of international football.
For Hamish Husband, an organiser for the Tartan Army and a Carlisle United fan who's been partly raised in England, the decision is always a tricky one. "I feel too guilty about wanting them to lose," he admits, highlighting the often-overbearing nature of English media coverage that can leave Scottish viewers feeling left out.
But for Husband and others like him, it's not just about personal animosity towards players or fans – it's about the complex dynamic between Scotland and England. "It's a bit like having an older sibling," he explains. "Sometimes you don't want them to always succeed."
A YouGov poll conducted before the World Cup revealed that while nearly a third of Scots (31%) hoped England would struggle, one in ten Scots said they'd be backing their neighbours all the way. This mirrors the roughly 506,207 individuals living in Scotland who were born in England – a staggering figure that underscores the deep cross-border family and personal connections.
Robbie McSkimming, a devoted Scotland supporter from Dunfermline, is one of those fans caught in this tangled web of loyalties. Despite cheering against England at Hampden, his family ties mean he often finds himself supporting the Three Lions in the latter stages of major tournaments – "it's just a bit of fun in football," he says with a chuckle.
Yet, it's not uncommon to see Scottish fans donning Argentina jerseys or other rival team colours when England face their South American foes. While some might describe such displays as "a bit churlish", they're also a testament to the enduring – albeit complex – nature of the sporting relationship between Scotland and England.