There’s been a longstanding rivalry between Scotland and England, both on and off the football pitch and as both teams made the World Cup line up, each nation was buoyantly excited. Fast forward to the early hours of Sunday morning and Scotland received the official confirmation that they would not be progressing in the World Cup after winning one game and losing two, finishing with three points in total. On Sunday, His Majesty King Charles released a statement to commiserate the team.
The statement was shared to Instagram Stories and it read: “To the players, outgoing manager and support staff of Scotland’s football team, I would like to offer you my sincere commiserations on exiting the World Cup.
“While I know what a huge disappointment this will be – just as it is for New Zealand, who didn’t make it through this time and have my similar sympathies – I hope you may be able to return home with proud hearts for the joy you have given to so many in having qualified for the first time in over 25 years.
“I fear that traditional sporting rivalries mean it may be too much to hope that the devoted tartan army of yours will now cheer with full voice for the three other realms still in contention, but my wife and I nonetheless wish England, Australia and Canada the very best of luck for the battles ahead! Charles R.”
England’s World Cup hopes
© Getty ImagesEngland hasn’t won the World Cup in 60 years, but they have a chance at taking home the title this year. Now coached by Thomas Tuchel, who took over Gareth Southgate, the team is ranked 4th by FIFA.
HELLO! spoke with James Graham, the creator of both the play and the TV show Dear England, which is about Gareth Southgate’s tenure as the manager. James shared his thoughts on England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, saying: “Obviously [my hopes are for a] win, but I think we have to be realistic and yet, one of the lessons I love that Gareth tried to instill in his fans was that you have to enjoy the journey towards winning.”
Which football team does King Charles support?
© GettyAlthough the monarch has been very fair in his World Cup support for national teams, it emerged in 2012 that in the English football league he supports Burnley FC.
Once asked why he backs the club he said: “Burnley has been through some very challenging times and I’m trying to find ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem in that part of the world.”
Following the revelation, Burnley reportedly gave the King a VIP season ticket for the club.
