Scottish fans start supporting SWEDEN ahead of England's next World Cup match
GETTY Scottish football fans are backing Sweden
The Tartan Army failed to qualify for the finals so Scots are transferring their loyalties to whoever is up against the Auld Enemy at this summer’s tournament in Russia. Fans who last night openly cheered for Colombia as they were knocked out by the Three Lions have today taken to social media to pay homage to all things Swedish from Abba to Ikea meatballs. As England’s “football's coming home” anthem gets louder, one user tweeted: "Dear Sweden, have we told you lately how much we love you, please do the damage against engerland and we will love you for ever. Yours lovingly SCOTLAND"
While another commented: "Come on Sweden, you can do it for the Scotland, the Henrik Larsson and the ABBA." Another fan claimed: "Wow I LOVE Sweden - always have. Meatballs are my favourite food. Ikea is the greatest ever !!!!!! Stockholm is my favourite city in the world. Yay Sweden !!!!! (Scotland is behind you Sweden)" One video posted on Twitter predicted Scottish supporters will flock to the shops to stock up on Sweden flags while another fan joked the flags would be rationed to one per household north of the border.
GETTY England celebrate their last-16 win over Colombia
England have a great chance of progressing in the tournament after overcoming the physical challenge of Colombia to secure a place in the last eight against the Scandinavians who earned their quarter-final spot with a victory over Switzerland. Gareth Southgate’s men looked on course for their first win in a knockout round of a tournament in 12 years after captain Harry Kane struck a well-taken penalty in the 57th minute. But Colombian defender Yerry Mina threatened to break English hearts when he snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser with his third goal in three matches to force extra time which ended with the game level at 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout.
GETTY Sweden beat Switzerland for a place in the quarter-finals