Scotland National Football Team: Backing Argentina vs England Sparks Debate

England are two games away from ending 60 years of hurt. The first hurdle is a 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?

Scotland 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?'

Tartan 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 BBC Scotland News. 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 just want the big brother to lose.'

This sentiment echoes across Scottish pubs and social media. The phrase 'anyone but England' has become a cultural shorthand for a nation that defines part of its identity in opposition to its larger neighbour. But the 2026 World Cup has added a new layer: Argentina, led by Lionel Messi's successor, represents a genuine football powerhouse. For some Scots, backing Argentina is not just about anti-English sentiment—it's about supporting a team that plays beautiful football. For others, it's a political statement.

Political overtones

The Scottish National Party has publicly supported Argentina. A statement from the SNP, reported by The Times, declared 'No better day to raise a glass to Argentina' before an England game. This has inflamed the debate, with critics accusing the party of embarrassing Scotland. The SNP's stance frames the match not just as a sporting contest but as a reflection of national identity and Scotland's distinct place within the UK. For unionists, supporting England is a natural expression of British solidarity. For nationalists, backing Argentina is a small act of defiance.

The controversy blends sports rivalry with deeper political and cultural tensions. It's a reminder that football is never just football—especially when the oldest international rivalry in the world is involved. The debate also touches on the broader question of Scottish identity in a post-Brexit, post-pandemic world. As Scotland's own World Cup campaign ended in the first round, fans are left to choose between two uncomfortable options: cheering for the 'auld enemy' or rooting for a foreign team that happens to be playing against them.

What the Tartan Army thinks

We asked people in Glasgow: England, or anyone but England? The responses were mixed. Some fans, like Hamish Husband, simply avoid watching England games altogether. Others actively support whoever is playing against England. A minority, particularly those with family ties to England or who admire English players, say they will cheer for the Three Lions. The Tartan Army, known for its passionate and good-natured support, is divided. The debate has even spilled into online forums and pub arguments, with no clear consensus.

For many Scots, the issue is not about hating England but about the asymmetry of the rivalry. England have a World Cup title, a deep squad, and a history of success. Scotland have heartbreak, near-misses, and a first-round exit in 2026. Supporting England can feel like supporting the favourite, the big brother who always wins. Backing Argentina, by contrast, feels like backing the underdog—even though Argentina are themselves a football superpower. It's a paradox that captures the complexity of Scottish football fandom.

Broader implications

The debate is not just about one match. It reflects the enduring power of football to express national identity. In an era of globalisation and digital media, where fans can follow any team from anywhere, the Scotland-England rivalry remains intensely local. It's a rivalry that predates the World Cup, the Premier League, and even the modern rules of the game. And it shows no signs of fading.

For Scotland, the 2026 World Cup was a milestone—qualifying for the first time since 1998—but also a disappointment. The team's early exit means fans are left to watch the latter stages as spectators. The semi-final between England and Argentina offers a chance to engage with the tournament, but it also forces a choice that many would rather not make. Whether they raise a glass to Argentina or reluctantly cheer for England, Scottish fans are once again at the centre of a conversation about identity, loyalty, and the beautiful game.

As the match approaches, one thing is certain: the debate will continue long after the final whistle. And for Scotland, the real contest may not be on the pitch, but in the hearts and minds of its fans.