An American mum living in the UK says her household will be divided if England play the US at the World Cup – with her and her British husband cheering for opposite sides.
Ashley Jackson, 42, moved from Texas to Manchester four years ago with her husband, Andi, 41, and their two kids.
The mum-of-two, who regularly shares UK vs US culture shocks online, says football culture has been “a completely new experience” for her since moving to the UK.
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Thankfully, the family claims they have solved the tricky question of who to support by simply backing four different teams.
England and the US are the priority – but with Nana hailing from Scotland and a cousin living in Spain, the family has expanded their loyalties accordingly.
“I know this is against the grain, but having family from different countries redraws the loyalty lines in our house,” Ashley told Whats The Jam.
“The priority teams are England and the USA, of course, but the kids’ Nana is from Scotland, so we support them, and my husband’s cousin lives in Spain, so they get our support as well.
“We are a united front in the house, so we will all support the four teams.”
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But all bets are off if it ends up being the Americans versus the English.
She said: “If it comes down to a US vs England match, I will support the US, and my husband would support England.
“I don’t think anything too dramatic would happen if one or the other team wins.
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“If the US wins, I think I’d go out of my way to be extra kind to my husband, because I know it’ll be a sore subject for a while.
“I have no doubt he’d do the same.”
Andi said: “We are pretty respectful and I’m a dual citizen of both countries, though I will always choose England at football.
“Opposite ends of the sofa and the kids in the middle as a buffer [will be how we’re watching the game].
“As long as it isn’t a demolition, I think we will still be able to sleep in the same bed.”
The pair, who have just bought their first home together, are living next to a Scot and will keep celebrations minimal to avoid any upset.
They’ll watch the games at home, plonked in front of the television, with traditional footy snacks galore.
Growing up, Ashley knew little about football – or soccer, as they call it in her home country.
Her family back in the US is more focused on American football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball.
But after her husband introduced her to Liverpool FC and the couple watched MLS side Austin FC while living in Texas, she was well and truly converted.
She said: “When I moved to the UK, I knew who I would be supporting – Liverpool.”
As for the kids, seven-year-old Levon has been fully swept up in World Cup fever, learning about players, studying stats and collecting cards.
Four-year-old daughter Matilda, however, has a rather different approach to picking her team.
She said: “My son will no doubt have something to say about it if he chooses to support England.
“He loves the competitive aspect of the game and he is just at that age where it’s all fun and games and he enjoys the matches.
“This year, he has really been drawn into football and learning about all the players, the stats, and collecting cards, so it would be interesting to see which one he would choose if it came down to it!
“He’s happy to support the USA as well because he understands that he is from both countries.
“[For Matilda], it would likely come down to whoever’s kit she likes the best.”
With late UK kick-off times making it tricky for the family to watch matches together, Ashley says they have plans to replay the final at a more suitable hour and “pretend it’s in real time” with the kids.
Her family back in the States, meanwhile, has made their feelings clear about her divided loyalties.
She added: “I think if you asked them, they would prefer me to support the USA, of course.”
