A Game Of Two Other Halves

England vs Scotland family

- Julie McCaffrey

The hours are ticking down to the most hyped game in the Euros and my husband and I are Googling divorce lawyers in the run-up to a humdinger of a barney.

As a proud Scot married to an equally proud Englishman, tonight’s England v Scotland match pits me and Michael fiercely against each other.

Inevitably, it’s affecting our children.

Our 12-year-old triplets Lily, Clara and Elise are no longer a tight-knit trio.

Born in Kingston, Surrey, they have lived in Perthshire since they were six weeks old. Two have decided to stay loyal to the nation of their upbringing. One has pledged allegiance to the country of her birth.

I fear that Lily’s new England top might get ruined in the wash if they win

On the Scottish side of the sofa, I’m joined by brave hearts Clara and Elise.

Like them, I was born in England by accident. But, since Scotland has been home since I was four, to anyone who says I can’t claim to be a Scot I say: “If I was born in stable does it make me a horse?”

I have the peely-wally skin and ability to insert swears into the middle of words to prove my Caledonia credentials.

I’ve gently explained to Clara and Elise that this strange feeling of being excited for a disaster is unique to Scottish football fans and called anticipointment.