It’s the big match all Scots are supposedly dreading.
One Dundee pub is expecting to welcome a big influx of England fans ahead of tonight’s crucial World Cup semi-final tie – and will cheekily be flying the flag of their opponents, Croatia, ahead of the kick-off.
Scott Kyles, supervisor of Weavers Mill at Camperdown Leisure Park, is anticipating an evening of “friendly banter” with locals and English fans expected to descend on the pub.
Scott, 32, said tables for tonight’s crunch tie are already reserved as Gareth Southgate attempts to lead the Three Lions to their first final since 1966.
Despite admitting he will be rooting for Croatia, he reckons that our neighbours south of the border have a chance of reaching the final of football’s biggest tournament.
He said: “We’ve had a great crowd in for all the matches so far.
“We’ve had a lot of people in cheering on England.
“They have been working on projects at the Tesco call centre and The Open and have been staying at nearby hotels. It’s been friendly banter between staff and the England fans.
“They’ve been singing ‘It’s coming home’ during the last matches so we are used to it. We’ve usually given as good as we’ve got but it really has been friendly banter. The England games have probably drawn the biggest crowds so far.”
The Whip Inn on Liff Road has a chalkboard outside saying: “Come and support Croatia” .
At the Taybridge Bar, the vast majority of fans have been cheering on England’s opponents.
Toni Shearer, 22, said: “We’ve had a lot of people in, and when England have been playing the punters have been taking it more seriously.
“As it has progressed I think people have been intrigued to see how they get on.”
Meanwhile, Yvonne Cobbley, 62, retired, from Broughty Ferry said: “I’m delighted England are through to the semi-final. Whichever team wins, I’ll be very happy for them, as long as it’s fair.”
Sean Lynch, 31, employment co-ordonator, from Ardler, said: “England are our neighbour and I’m really quite pleased for them. We weren’t good enough to qualify so I’m going to support the nearest country. I think they’ve got a shot because a lot of the big boys are out.”
While John Daily, 71, retired, from West End said: “I’ve nothing against the players, it’s just all the hype.
“The media is acting like they’ve already won the cup.
“It’s not well deserved yet. They’ve not met any real challenges so far.”
