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Is it really coming home for an Englishman in Scotland?

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STV's resident Yorkshireman Oliver Dickinson on supporting the Three Lions in Glasgow.

Auld Enemy: Can England and Scotland fans support each other's teams?
Auld Enemy: Can England and Scotland fans support each other's teams? PA

The saying is 'football's coming home' and it's been everywhere this World Cup.

From billboards to buses and memes to magazines, Gareth Southgate and his England side have been fairly inescapable.

But what if 'home' means something different to what it did three years ago?

Where does football go then?

As an Englishman, born and bred in Yorkshire, I'm proud of my roots, but that's exactly what they are - roots, a foundation.

Since I've moved to Scotland I've grown to love this brilliant, bright, vibrant and welcoming country. And that love has extended into sport.

If Scotland were in the position that England find themselves in tonight, I'd be cheering them on just as loudly, kicking each ball, flying into each tackle - thoroughly proud of my adopted home.

The same goes for any of the home nations; I supported Wales through the Euro 2016 competition (except for the game against England).

'Since I've moved to Scotland I've grown to love this brilliant, bright, vibrant and welcoming country, and I have to admit, that love has extended into sport.'
Oliver Dickinson

When Scotland played England at Hampden and Wembley in the World Cup qualifiers, I figured I would win whichever team won (okay, maybe it doesn't quite work that like that).

Since being in Scotland, I've experienced an anti-English feeling maybe once - it was around a football match and that was as a direct result of the perpetrator having a few too many shandies.

The vast majority of people I know and work with seem to fall into three categories - begrudging admission that England are doing quite well; joking and bantering about England failing before each round; or absolute total disinterest in the whole thing.

I haven't been out and about to watch the games. I genuinely get too into it - preferring to be at home where no matter how loud I cheer or shout, I'm not going to offend anyone.

But I guess that's the thing - based on my experiences so far, I don't know if I would.

I'd like to believe in this tolerant, brilliant and welcoming country - that I'm proud to say I live in, proud to call home - my differences, footballing or otherwise, would be embraced.

Yes, joked about, but also welcomed.

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