Nicola wishes England well in World Cup (yes, honestly!)
NICOLA Sturgeon yesterday sent her best wishes to England ahead of the World Cup – because she hopes if they win, it will end talk of their 1966 triumph.
The SNP leader said she wished the team well in the tournament, which begins in Russia on Thursday.
But she stopped short of saying she actually wants them to win – and disclosed that she will be backing Iceland because she drew them in the office sweepstake.
The issue of who to support when Scotland fail to qualify for major tournaments is always a dilemma for Scottish political leaders. When he was First Minister, Alex Salmond previously wished England well; whereas his predecessor Jack McConnell famously said he would back anyone but England.
Asked by Sky News if she was supporting England, Miss Sturgeon said: ‘I wish England well in the World Cup. Maybe if they win this World Cup we can stop talking about 1966 at long last. I drew Iceland in my office sweepstake, so I will be keeping an eye on their scores as well.’
She also told the BBC that England winning the World Cup would be ‘a great talking point in Scotland as well as England’.
BBC presenter Sarah Smith asked several senior SNP politi- cians who they were supporting – but only Deputy First Minister John Swinney backed the sole British team in the tournament.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: ‘I am just back from seeing Scotland play in Peru and it was just remarkable to see the scenes there. I wish Scotland was there but we are not, so on this occasion I would like to see an underdog like Peru do well. I will be fully behind them.’
When Mr Salmond was First Minister before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he was asked who he wanted to win. He said: ‘The best side. I hope England do well.’ Mr McConnell sparked a crossBorder row when he supported ‘Anyone But England’ at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. Who deserves support of Tartan Army – Pages 78-79