It is “easy” for Irish people to support England in the World Cup because football fans know them so well from the Premier League, an Everton fan and soccer coach has argued.
While the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup, Fiona Connolly said she still plans on watching matches.
On Lunchtime Live, she said she feels it makes sense that some Irish people will support England.
“I think because we watch them week in, week out in the Premier League, we actually feel like we know them because they're such big parts of our world,” she explained.
“We'll be cheering on Pickford in the World Cup Games, I hope he does well.
“I think it makes it more interesting if we're backing a team when we know so many players, it's kind of an easy thing to get behind.”
Also on the show, Jackie from the Republic of Ireland’s Supporter Club admitted he had “no real interest” in the World Cup after Ireland failed to qualify.
“It wouldn't bother me if England won it,” he said.
“I'd be sick of Declan Rice got a winner's medal though; I've seen him play for Ireland and then you have the other lad, Jude Bellingham, when he plays at his club, he's an Irish man.
“He plays under his Irish passport and he's an English man when he plays.”
Main image: Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who will play in the World Cup. Picture by: David Klein / Sportimage.
