England play their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years this evening against Croatia at the Luzhniki in Moscow.
More than ever, more than in any previous tournament, Irish people have been announcing their support for England.
"They're our neighbours. People just need to get over it," declared one man on Wednesday's Morning Ireland making it sound like the reasons Irish people hold for enjoying English failure are no greater than the bad blood between two people involved in a minor car accident.
A belief that the English press may reach unbearable levels of jingoism should Southgate's side win the tournament is a long-held rationale for wishing defeat on them. It's also a press which could turn on England just as swiftly as Luka Modric dancing past a challenge. 'It's coming home' might be the shout now but they could be telling Kane and Co. to thumb home tomorrow.
In England's favour is a group almost devoid of objectionable characters. Many of them have good stories, they've worked their way up through football rather than being to the manor born. They have that plucky underdog status which appeals to many.
Will you be supporting England this evening against Croatia?
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