Valentina Cervantes, partner of Argentina's £106 million Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, has described the upcoming World Cup match between Argentina and England as "strange" due to her family's deep connections to Britain. Cervantes and Fernandez relocated their daughter Olivia from Lisbon to England in January 2023 when Fernandez joined Chelsea. The couple later welcomed their son Benjamin while living in England.
Cervantes explained that Benjamin's birth was a significant reason why the family does not participate in a notorious anti-English chant where participants are told to jump if they are not English. "We don't let him jump when they sing 'whoever doesn't jump is English'," Cervantes stated in a video interview. She added that their children, including Olivia, perceive England as their home, saying, "that's where I live."
Cervantes emphasized that she holds no animosity towards England, stating she has "zero" enmity. However, she acknowledged that for her children, the match is "strange." "It's the place where we've lived for three years, so it's going to be a very special match," she said. "It's a country that has given us a lot; we have family there."
Another Argentina WAG, Kelci-Rose Bowers, who is English, has stated she will support her partner Marcos Senesi and Argentina, despite anticipating controversy. Similarly, Silvina Riela, grandmother of Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister, who has resided in England since 2020, echoed Cervantes' sentiment. "My granddaughter was born in England," Riela noted, explaining she remains seated during the anti-English chant. Riela also shared that her initial negative perceptions of England, based on weather and perceived coldness of people, have changed since living there. "But now that I've been there, everything has changed. Even the way I see people. I thought I was going to find cold people, but they are very polite and respectful. We have been welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best way," she said.
The historical context between England and Argentina, including the 1986 World Cup 'Hand of God' goal and the 1982 Falklands War, continues to influence fan sentiment. Many Argentina fans have incorporated references to the Falklands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas, into their chants and iconography.
Authorities are implementing extensive security measures for the match in Atlanta, classified as a "highest risk" event. The FBI, FIFA, and police have met to discuss concerns over potential clashes between rival supporters, exacerbated by the historical divide. While efforts are being made to keep fans separated, the lack of segregation within the stadium presents challenges, particularly in concourse areas. Videos of altercations between Argentina and England fans have already circulated online.
Both teams' coaches, Argentina's Lionel Scaloni and England's Thomas Tuchel, have acknowledged the significance of the match for their respective nations and players, while urging against excessive escalation of tensions.