Do STV readers want England to win the World Cup?

Earlier today, we published a story from STV's Oliver Dickinson about his experiences as an Englishman living in Scotland during the World Cup.

When the story was posted on Facebook, hundreds of you replied to tell us of your own thoughts and experiences.

Perhaps surprisingly, more people than we might have expected expressed support for Gareth Southgate's team as they prepare to face Croatia in tonight's semi-final.

For others, supporting Scotland means you can never back the Auld Enemy - even in competitions for which we did not qualify.

We've collated some of the best comments below; to join in the conversation you can follow our Facebook page.

'Cheering on England doesn't make me any less Scottish'

I'm a Glaswegian who moved to Yorkshire 19 years ago. In the absence of the Scottish football team from any big tournaments for years, I now support England.

I live here, married to an Englishman and have an English family. Winning the football cheers people up. Cheering on England doesn't make me any less Scottish!

- Lorraine Noon

'The media makes more of this than anyone'

In all honesty as a Scotsman, I really don't care who wins. My team didn't qualify.

The media makes more of this than anyone, hypes it up usually for the big fall. England have a good setup, playing well and winning, but then they did have an easy run so far.

I believe they can go all the way so good luck to them.

- Stephen Cairns

'They've worked hard'

Yes I'm supporting them, why wouldn't I? Admittedly it might have been harder to swallow if Scotland had qualified too, but they didn't, so hey ho, let them have the glory for something they've worked hard to achieve.

- Margaret Caddens

'Would a Rangers fan support Celtic?'

Would a Rangers fan support Celtic in Europe... Don't think so. Would a Sunderland fan support Newcastle in the Premier league... Don't think so. Would a Swansea fan support Cardiff in Premier league... Don't think so.

So why do the English think we will be cheering them on?

If the media took a leaf out of Southgate's approach and stayed humble and not getting carried away maybe a few more Scots, Welsh, Irish would be on the English team side.

But when it's all that's spoken about from morning news, radio stations to daft adverts, handing out free waistcoats, taking about knighthoods - come on, let's not get carried away.

- Graham Bruce

'My loyalty always lies with the underdog'

My loyalty always lies with the underdog if Scotland aren't playing. Croatia have been brilliant and I hope they shut the English media up tonight! Come on Rakitic and Modric!

- Laura Holmes Smith

'Southgate has come across really well'

To be honest if they go on to win it then fair play to them. Don't mind the team and Southgate has come across really well so good luck to them.

What I can't stand is the press coverage now and what lies ahead if they win it.... mind you, if we got to a World Cup semi final I am sure our TV/media would be full of it!!

- Dave Thow

'If they win it will hopefully be deserved'

Part of me says hope they get gubbed, other part when I see how excited they are gets me jealous. If they win it will hopefully be deserved and then we have no excuses.

- Stuart Love

'I couldn't care less'

I will NOT be supporting England. Every World Cup we get 66 shoved down our throats. I will not cheer for them or even watch the match; I couldn't care less about it.

- Fiona Cairns

Some comments have been edited for length.

Download: The STV News app is Scotland's favourite and is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from Google Play. Download it today and continue to enjoy STV News wherever you are.