4
0
Put the Baddiel and Skinner back on the shelf. You won’t be needing it for another four years. Football isn’t coming home as Harry Kane and England are and sooner than expected.
A late penalty miss by the England skipper saw world champions France hold onto a 2-1 lead and book their spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
And in true tartan army fashion, Scotland fans were quick to rejoice and mock their neighbour’s exit at the quarter-final stage.
While Scotland haven’t tussled with the world’s elite since France 1998, fans have adopted an ‘anyone but England’ stance at major tournaments in their country’s constant absence.
The English rivalry dates back generations, as documented in the 1995 picture ‘Braveheart’, but unfortunately for Gareth Southgate’s men, the criticism from neighbouring countries is out of their control.
As has been showcased during every tournament since 1966 (which stands out for obvious reasons) some Scots have reaped as much satisfaction from England exits than from their own sparse success. Arrogant chants of ‘It’s Coming Home’ are broadcasted across social media and television throughout the early stages of tournaments as England easily dispose of less formidable opposition.
With those three words ringing in Scottish ears for the past three weeks Kane’s wayward penalty was met with a flood of comical tweets from England’s neighbours to the north.
Here is how Scotland reacted to French victory and English heartache:
56 years of hurt will now become 60 years, at least, as England turn their attention to the next World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
With a young side full of potential Southgate’s side will fancy their chances once again in four years time, but for now Scots everywhere are thanking Olivier Giroud for making it a ‘Bleu’ Christmas this year.
