The World Cup is about to get even more personal for UK families with divided loyalties. As England prepares to face Croatia in a thrilling showdown, households are bracing themselves for some good-natured banter and possibly a few bruised egos – all in the name of national pride. For Mladen, a Croatian expat living in Hove with his UK-born kids, it's a tough call: will he cheer on his homeland or let his little ones have their say?
Mladen's family is not alone in this conundrum. Ed Thomas, a Whitstable restaurant owner, knows the feeling all too well. With an English father and Croatian mother, Ed's heart belongs to both nations – but only one can win! "It's not actually win-win," he admits wryly, "I don't really enjoy them playing each other." His restaurant, Amedea, is a proud showcase of his Croatian heritage, with pictures of his grandmother alongside Luka Modric and the rest of the team.
Ed's mum, Suzi, has made it clear that she wants Croatia to win – but not at any cost. "I'd be happy either way," she says with a hint of mischief, "as long as there's no trouble!" And she should know – her family's history in Yugoslavia and their subsequent move to the UK have given them a unique perspective on these rivalries.
The excitement is palpable, and it's not just families who are caught up in the drama. The hospitality sector is gearing up for a record-breaking night, with pub bookings surging by almost 300% across England. "Fans love getting together to watch the game, cheer on their team and support their local," says Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality. But while it's all about having fun, Sussex Police are urging everyone to stay safe – and that means no drink-driving!