Scotland’s Legendy football commentator, Archie Macpherson, 89, revealed he has a round of golf planned in case England clinches victory against Spain in the Euro 24 final.
Despite admitting England’s potential to “bring football home,” Macpherson’s allegiance leans towards Spain, praising their superior play throughout the tournament.
When asked if he would support England during Sunday’s final in Berlin, Macpherson said, “I admire the English players and have a hunch they’re going to win.
Although my tendency is towards Spain, I suspect England might do it. Like my idol Denis Law, who played golf when England won the World Cup, I might be on the golf course at Crail.”
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, made a pivotal decision by bringing on Ollie Watkins as a late substitute in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Watkins scored the decisive 90th-minute goal, propelling England into the final and giving them a chance to win their first major trophy in nearly 60 years and their first without home advantage.
Many Scots prefer a Spanish victory, including former Scotland international Pat Nevin. Nevin, 60, clarified, “I support the best and most entertaining team, which for me is Spain. It’s not an anti-English sentiment. I’ve lived and worked extensively in England and don’t harbour hate.”
Nevin acknowledged the mixed feelings among Scots, noting, “Many want Spain to win for reasons beyond football. We know the argument – they’ll never stop talking about it if they win. I understand those who can’t cope with that.”
Josh McCulloch, manager of Glasgow-based Spanish restaurant Brutti Compadres, echoed this sentiment: “Most of Scotland will be supporting Spain, given our Spanish heritage.”
Singer Pat Kane offered a nuanced perspective, “I mostly back England. It’s politically crucial that English identity expressions are plural and diverse.
However, Spain might dismantle them.”
Meanwhile, SNP leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn, faced backlash on social media after jokingly urging Spain’s Rodri not to disappoint, referencing past comments about Hampden’s long grass.
As the final approach, Scotland’s divided sentiments illustrate the complex relationship between neighbouring nations in the context of international football.
