KEIR Starmer has said he would “very much encourage” Scotland and Wales fans to get behind and support England in their World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.
The Prime Minister's comments come ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s England side's crunch match against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Wednesday evening for a place in this year's World Cup final.
Starmer has urged both Scotland and Wales fans to support England on Wednesday evening, despite many Scots traditionally supporting England's opponents at major footballing tournaments.
His spokesperson reportedly said on Tuesday: “The PM would very much encourage unity – he would encourage everyone to be supporting the England team.”
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Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman was quick to criticise Starmer's call as he said: “Been two years of some woeful shouts from the man, but this one is right up there.”
England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday at 8pm after their 2-1 victory against Norway on Saturday evening.
Starmer was asked about reports of some chanting about the Falklands from Argentine fans on Monday, to which his official said: “I think the Prime Minister’s view is that football should be about the game and about bringing people together.
“That’s what fans want to see.”
Ahead of England’s quarter-final clash with Norway last week, Starmer also hinted at an extra bank holiday if the team wins the World Cup.
When asked last week whether he would back a bank holiday if England managed to win the tournament, he told reporters at a Nato conference: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
With the final taking place on Sunday, July 19, it is thought the following Friday has been earmarked as the most likely date for an English bank holiday.
It comes after a Conservative councillor in Moray fumed at “idiot” Scots who are too “blinkered” to support England in the World Cup semi-final.
Tracy Colyer slammed Scots who are planning on supporting Argentina in their World Cup semi-final match against England on Wednesday, saying those who do should be “fecking ashamed”.
Colyer argued that Scots should get behind the England team due to the history of Scottish soldiers fighting in the Falklands War.
She wrote: “Come nowhere near me if you are supporting the cheating ‘hand of god’ Argies.
“For all you idiots out there that are blinkered, Scottish soldiers fought in the Falklands War in 1982.
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“The 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards were a major part of the British forces deployed.
“They sailed to the islands in May 1982 aboard the Queen Elizabeth II and became part of the 5th Infantry Brigade.
“On the night of June 13-14, the Scots Guards took part in one of the final and fiercest battles of the war.
“They fought a difficult night battle using bayonets to capture the heavily defended Mount Tumbledown from Argentine forces.”
