Adios England…Viva Espana? Heathrow Express Research Finds Fans Set To Switch Sides For Final
England’s World Cup dream is over – but for millions of fans, the tournament may not be.
After a heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, the Three Lions are out, with Argentina now set to face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
New research from Heathrow Express suggests plenty of UK fans may already know who they’ll be backing. More than half of UK football fans say they switch allegiances or adopt a new side once their own team is knocked out – and according to the findings, Spain is one of Britain’s favourite “secret second teams” during international tournaments.
For many fans, second-team support is something they keep under wraps with more than a third (37%) confessing they have rooted for another country during a tournament without telling friends, family or colleagues. One in three (32%) also admit they have pretended to support one team while quietly hoping another side wins.
For some fans, it’s less about supporting another nation and more about seeing rivals lose, with nearly two-thirds (63%) admitting they cheer for a team simply because they are playing against a rival country.
Once their own team is out of the running, loyalties shift fast. More than half of fans (54%) admit switching allegiances or adopting a new side during a tournament. Spain, Brazil and Scotland emerge as Britain’s favourite “secret second teams”, followed by Portugal, France and Italy. With England out and Spain still standing, many fans may now be ready to say Viva España.
The biggest attraction is style of play (29%), ahead of star players (26%) and underdog stories (22%), while 17% say they simply pick a team for the fun of it.
Most supporters feel little guilt about their divided loyalties. More than a quarter (28%) say they are “not bothered” about backing another nation, while 17% believe it actually makes tournaments more enjoyable.
Not everyone is entirely comfortable, though. One in ten (10%) admit it feels “sneaky”, while others describe feeling disloyal, conflicted or guilty.
Spain may also have the pull beyond the pitch, with the research revealing it’s the country fans are most tempted to visit after watching them play at international tournaments – while 30% say international tournaments make them want to travel abroad. Brazil, France, Italy and Portugal also proving popular.
Almost half of fans with a second team (45%) say they would consider travelling abroad if that nation reached the final, while one in eight supporters (12%) have already travelled overseas specifically to watch a match.
Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express, said:“One match, one player or one unforgettable atmosphere can suddenly put a country on someone’s travel list.
“With 86% of football fans saying it’s important to get to the airport quickly and easily when travelling overseas for a match, we know the journey before the flight matters just as much as the flight itself.”
Even for fans staying closer to home, tournaments have a way of taking over daily life. More than eight in ten supporters (82%) admit watching matches in unusual places – including at work (30%), on public transport (18%), during parties or social events (16%), and even at the airport before a flight (10%).
The beautiful game also brings out fans’ superstitious side. More than half (56%) follow at least one matchday ritual, from wearing lucky shirts and sitting in the same spot to refusing to move while their team is playing well.
For supporters planning to turn this summer’s tournament into a trip abroad – save with Heathrow Express advance fares from £10 when booking at least 30 days ahead, while children aged 15 and under travel free with a paying adult.
Tickets are available now at www.heathrowexpress.com.
