Scotland's footballing icons Graeme Souness, Charlie Nicholas, and Gordon Strachan have publicly declared their support for Mexico in a new promotional video by Paddy Power, airing just before England's crucial World Cup last-16 tie against the co-hosts.
The advertisement playfully showcases the former Scottish internationals adopting Mexican personas. Souness is depicted using a golf club to break a piñata shaped like the number 66, a clear reference to England's 1966 World Cup victory. "We Mexico fans are laid back but we still have a ferocious will to win," Souness states in the ad. "Something our next opponents are going to experience first hand, whoever that may be."
Charlie Nicholas sports a Mexican wrestling outfit, attempting an accent while praising the Mexican national team. "Being a Los Azteca is all about passion, we may not always win but we will fight to the end," Nicholas says. "The atmosphere, the intensity, the altitude, I’m telling you, we are a match for anyone on our own patch." He is also shown eating a bean-filled sandwich and exclaiming his love for tacos.
Gordon Strachan is featured dressed as a mariachi band member, complete with a sombrero. He humorously notes that he joined a mariachi band at age 69, his current age, before singing a rendition of "Oh Flower of Mexico," a twist on Scotland's unofficial anthem. The trio is later seen drinking yerba mate and margaritas to further cement their supposed support for the co-hosts.
Nicholas denies his newfound allegiance is solely due to England being Mexico's opponent, while Souness claims ignorance about who England is facing. Strachan contributes by reciting Wikipedia facts about Mexico.
The advert concludes with the legends exclaiming "Vamos Mexico!" to emphasize their chosen support. England is set to face a challenging match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, a venue where the co-hosts have a strong historical record. England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, has acknowledged concerns about his team's preparation time for the high altitude of Mexico City. Additionally, the match could be subject to delays due to the forecast of thunderstorms, which could lead to suspensions if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Should England secure a victory, they would advance to a quarter-final against either Brazil or Norway. The match is scheduled to kick off at 1 a.m. UK time on Monday.