The upcoming Wales v England match at Euro 2025 has sparked an interesting phenomenon among fans of both nations. While traditional football rivalries often draw clear lines between supporters, this women’s international fixture reveals a more nuanced picture of fan loyalty. Many supporters find themselves cheering for both teams, creating a unique atmosphere around this highly anticipated group D clash.
The unique nature of cross-border support in women’s football
When Wales faces England in their crucial Euro 2025 encounter, the traditional “derby” atmosphere takes on a different character compared to men’s matches. Wales forward Hannah Cain has emphasized the excitement surrounding this rivalry, yet many fans are comfortably supporting both nations – a stark contrast to Gareth Bale’s 2016 comment about “never wanting to lose to the enemy” during the men’s Euro tournament.
Nicola Chapman, 54, exemplifies this dual allegiance. Originally from London but living in Wales since 1999, Chapman describes her suitcase as “split down the middle with England and Wales gear.” She attributes this ability to support both sides to the inclusivity inherent in women’s football, noting, “You still get the banter between both sides, but it does feel a lot more good-natured.”
Dr. Penny Miles, a researcher specializing in fan culture at the University of Bath, identifies a “feminist solidarity” within women’s football that transcends traditional rivalries. “The conditions female players have had to face both sides of the border means a lot more solidarity,” explains Dr. Miles. She points out that fans recognize the shared challenges women footballers have overcome to reach elite competition levels.
This phenomenon isn’t entirely unique to women’s football. Professor Stacey Pope from Durham University discovered that in the 1950s, many Newcastle United fans would regularly watch Sunderland matches, demonstrating that England’s football culture has historically seen periods of cross-team support that modern fans might find surprising.
Factors influencing dual national support
Several key factors contribute to fans supporting both Wales and England in women’s football:
- The Women’s Super League (WSL) connection
- Increased media visibility since 2015
- Shared struggles for recognition and resources
- Personal connections to both nations
- Appreciation for the growth of women’s football generally
Siwan Davies, 20, from Gwynedd, attributes the dual support phenomenon largely to the WSL: “In my opinion it’s down to the WSL, as so many English players play for their favourite club.” This creates situations where Welsh fans develop attachments to England players they follow weekly at club level.
The significant growth in women’s football participation reflects the increasing popularity of the sport. Wales has seen a 45% increase in women’s football participation since 2021, while England has doubled its number of women’s and girls’ teams over the past seven years. This rapid development creates a shared narrative that unites fans across borders.
Alex Lloyd, 30, from Bridgend county, exemplifies how the increased visibility influences support: “I fell back in love with football following England’s appearance in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.” Lloyd explains that while supporting Wales remains important, “The success of recent tournaments for the Lionesses and the overall quality of their players draws me to them.”
| Factor | Impact on Fan Support |
|---|---|
| Increased Media Coverage | Greater visibility leading to broader fan bases |
| Club Connections | WSL creating cross-border player recognition |
| Historical Challenges | Shared struggle creating solidarity among supporters |
| Professionalisation Timeline | Relatively recent developments in both nations |
The evolution of rivalry in women’s international football
While many fans support both teams, traditional rivalry still exists and may grow stronger as the women’s game continues to develop. Lianne Mitchel, 35, from Cardiff represents this perspective, stating she “cannot understand how anyone could be fans of both” and insists “there is a definite rivalry” that will be evident during the match.
Hayley Clarke from Bangor shares this sentiment, noting that despite following England’s games since the 2019 World Cup, she would “never support England over Wales.” These divergent viewpoints demonstrate that fan culture in women’s football exists along a spectrum, from traditional rivalry to progressive dual support.
The rivalry’s evolution follows a numbered progression:
- Historical men’s football rivalry setting initial expectations
- Early development of women’s teams with limited cross-border tension
- Increasing professionalization creating competitive environments
- Current stage: mixed support with emerging competitive dynamics
- Potential future: stronger rivalry as stakes increase
Siwan Davies predicts the rivalry will intensify “as the years go on and Wales improve,” and she hopes to see “bigger attendances and more investment” in Welsh women’s football. This suggests the collaborative spirit currently observed might evolve as the competitive landscape changes.
Beyond traditional sporting loyalties
The Wales v England Euro 2025 match represents more than just a sporting contest – it showcases how women’s football is creating new paradigms of fandom. Professor Pope’s research indicates that the “respectful coverage and the amount of coverage has led to shifts and changes in attitudes,” potentially transforming “sexist and misogynistic attitudes to more progressive attitudes.”
For many young supporters, these teams provide role models that weren’t previously visible. Alex Lloyd reflects on her youth when “it was mostly known as a boys or men’s sport and it was always the male footballers we would want to be like.” She finds it “incredibly special” to now see young girls participating in women’s teams.
Regardless of individual loyalties, this Welsh team has secured its place in history as the first to reach a major tournament. Whether fans support one side, the other, or both, the match represents another significant milestone in the continued growth and recognition of women’s football across both nations.
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