Both rivalries have always been perceived differently on both ends though. For England and the Netherlands matches against Germany also served as a substitute for revenge for World War II – as such were politically/historically charged. In Germany, a match by a German national team was – until only a few years ago – basically the only place where Germans would fly the German flag and sing the anthem, because sport was perceived as something harmless and unpolitical. So, the political angle was always completely missing on the German end. For Germans the perception usually was that the rivalry with England started in 1966 with the World Cup final, and in case of the Dutch in the early 70s, when Eredivisie and Bundesliga sides clashed in European Cups (Ajax – Bayern) and of course the World Cup final in 1974. So it was really reduced to the football. In general England and the English actually have a very positive image in Germany.

I remembered about the win over Argentina in the group stage. My father, the other England supporter in the family, was jubilant England beat Argentina then. I can understand why. He still has the vivid memories of the ‘Hand of God’ goal, apart from the second goal Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup. Back then when I told him that Maradona is the new Argentina coach, he initially thought it was a joke. Considering I was not even born yet when the ‘Hand of God’ goal happened (psst, I was born in the following year), what I know that happened in the 1986 World Cup are based on my father’s memories. One thing is for sure, my father (like Terry Butcher who spoke to the press ahead of Scotland’s friendly with Argentina) will never ever forgive Maradona for the ‘Hand of God’ goal.

Germany…5-1. If I just mention that scoreline to my father, his face will brighten up at once. For him, that was the best England performance he had seen in a long time since he support England. My only memory of that 2002 World Cup qualifier from Munich was that it made big news at where I come from (Singapore). Till now, my father still gets the satisfaction whenever Germany loses any match! So you can imagine he was happy Spain beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final. On a personal scale for me, I am still sore over that 2-1 scoreline last year at the Wembley.

Unfortunately, I did not live through the time as an England supporter whenever we meet Scotland. Whatever I remember of the meetings with the Auld Enemy, I did background reading on the Internet. Coming from a country myself where we do share football rivalry with our neighbour next door in the form of Malaysia, I see the England-Scotland rivalry as a football rivalry between two neighbours which share a common border. That’s just me. And Singapore got the better over Malaysia in recent times actually. Considering Malaysia was once better than us…but then, we always love it here whenever we beat Malaysia. Just like you said Scotland love to beat England.

Also, there’ve been various wars between England and all three of these rivals, so in some ways that evens it all out.

First, I think leaving out the non-sporting side of things sort of takes the air out of the explanations, at least for Argentina, because you can bet the Falklands does have a bit to do with it.

Still, I’d say Scotland.. but you’re right. It seems that all of these have cooled in the last few years, for one reason or another…