Having failed to qualify for the World Cup once again, many Scots are leaving it up to Germany — the team England see as their true nemesis — to end the Three Lions’ campaign tomorrow.
Hamish Husband, spokesman for the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said that there was an affinity between the Scotland and German fans — and, when the sides last played one another, the terraces rang with a chant of “We hate England more than you”.
Mr Husband said he still believed that Scots would be backing England, but some pubs and front rooms in Scotlandwould be full of Würst, bier and German flags.
Although The Times previously reported on a distinct softening of Scots’ feelings towards England the prospect of tomorrow’s fixture seems to have hardened up attitudes again.
“We have England as our main rivals, but England have Germany,” Mr Husband admitted. “The English patronise us. On Sunday the Tartan Army will be siding with the Germans.”
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Margo MacDonald, the independent MSP for the Lothians, said that she would be backing Germany — because she was fed up with the English commentators. “I want to hear about the game,” said Ms MacDonald. “I don’t want to hear about Rooney’s ankle. I am hoping Germany don’t lose.”
However, Bill Butler, the Scottish Labour Party’s sports spokesman, said that he would be backing England: “Given there is another home country there we should support them — provided they play good football.” Investigations by The Times before the World Cup began uncovered a new breed of supporter — the “semi-final Scot” who would support the England team to the last four but no farther.