RSS feedWhy I’m supporting England
Two months ago, a BBC poll that claimed 83% of Welsh fans will be supporting England in the World Cup.
Rubbish.
I’d put the figure much lower, and the outraged replies seem to back that up. Still, whatever the true figure, I’m nailing my colours to the mast and supporting England.
To start with the basics: I was born in Wales to a Welsh family. I have a Welsh name. I live in England and have spent most of my life here. All fairly insignificant to the one true test of nationality: how you ‘feel’. And I feel Welsh, through and through.
But, just as equally, I feel British and, as such, I have an affinity for the home nations. I’ve no interest in petty “rivalry” and, frankly, the sooner it ends, the better. Does anyone truly believe it? And, more importantly, is this really how we have to define our nationality: by sulking and thinly-veiled xenophobia? I prefer to celebrate the positive things about my country, rather than focus on the negative aspects of a long and distant past.
Don’t get me wrong: I want England to suffer a 5-0 thrashing when they’re playing Wales. But it doesn’t happen often and, particularly since we’ve not played in a major tournament in 50 years, any Welsh fan who prefers to enjoy the game than whine about it should be forgiven for looking for vicarious fulfilment elsewhere.
England looked good last night. I really think they have a chance. Yes, the reactions of media, fans and Tony Blair alike would be pretty insufferable if they won, but I hope in my lifetime that we’ll get a chance to taste success of our own.
Categories: wales, england, football, worldcup
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Balls! I hope the saes bastards get thrashed into the ground and lose to Trinidad.
Any true Welshman supports two teams - Wales, and anyone playing against England.
Shame on you, Cen.