At 4 p.m., their numbers had swollen to approximately 100. Their declaration of nationality complete, the pages of the songbook were turned. A small group of French supporters approached with a Tricolour and began to sing their own songs. It brought an instant reaction. "If it wasn't for the English, you'd be Krauts!" they sang. Then, to press home the point, "Where were you in World War II?" There was nastier stuff, too. "We've got a robust stance on chanting," said Miles. "We don't stand for racist, sexist, homophobic or other prejudicial chants. My personal view on those [World War II-themed] songs: They're boring. They're pathetic. They have nothing to do with football. They're not necessary and they don't win us any friends. We'd much rather focus on the football." This is the unpleasant element of English support. Intimidation, bullying in the name of banter and an unhealthy obsession with a war that ended long before many of them were born. But on that afternoon it did not, by any stretch, represent anything approaching a majority. From outside neighbouring bars, English supporters stood and watched, some amused, some shaking their heads in contempt. On the three sides of Marseille's old port, thousands of English fans sat happily in the sun, drinking and chatting. They mixed pleasantly with both the locals and supporters of other nations.
The only excitement our Resident Scotland contributers will get during the tournament is hoping England get banned. Bitter and twisted Porridge wogs.
So just the English? You would like to see the other British sides do well ?. Strange bunch you Scottish.
Nothing brings out the hatred and bitterness in the porridge wog more than England playing at a football tournament... except other porridge wogs who went to a different school.
You Nigels laugh at the Jocks constantly, but now you're actually at the tournament and it isn't going to plan for the fans or the team, everyone laughing at you is jealous and bitter.
I don't think anyone expects us to win it or our fans to not fight with other morons. I don't see why you lot care.
It's called schadenfreude. All football fans are the same, so the fact you all seem bewildered that the Jocks are loving this is
I actually want the British teams to do well but I actually want ze Germans to win the tournament I'm just enjoying England fans beeling at getting a tanking
Want the British and Irish teams to do well, and hope England get to the semis before losing to an awful decision.
The other home nations don't have the media shisters that England do. In saying that the last couple of tournies you been in the media haven't actually said you'd win it before a ball is kicked and mention of 66 hasn't happened until at least 15 minutes into your first match so things are improving.
