Families split down the middle with rivalry ahead of England’s Euros clash with Denmark

Denmark’s colorful 8,000-strong support at Wembley will include plenty of fans from families split down the middle by the clash.

Nina Elkjær Sigrist will be shouting for her team from the stands, while her English husband Mark Buttle watches the Euro 2020 semi-final at home in Barnet with their three sons, aged 15, 12 and eight.

She said: “My husband is very English. I am going with my Danish friends. My sons are gutted they can’t go. They are split, with two supporting Denmark and one supporting England.

“There have been some arguments but it’s all been in good humor. It doesn’t feel like there is a historic rivalry between the two teams.”

Birgitte Surtees will be traveling to Wembley with her Denmark-supporting son Oliver, 13, and English husband Michael.

She said: “Oliver and I will be cheering on Denmark. My husband will be wearing his England shirt. We are all very excited.

“A lot of English fans I meet say Denmark is their second favorite team, so it’s a friendly rivalry.”

The Danish team’s fan club has rented out space at Vinegar Yard in London Bridge from noon and flags, face paints and shirts have been shipped over for supporters.

Jafar Al-Matin, 23, who runs Scandinavian sweet shop Candy Town in Camden, said Danish fans have been buying treats from their home country at record rates since Euro 2020 began.

Mr Al-Matin, who grew up in Copenhagen, said he will be at Wembley supporting Denmark.

He said: “The competition has made me realize how many Danish people are in London. We’ve almost sold out of Skipper’s Pipes, a very famous traditional Danish liqueur.

“So many fans have come in to buy them. Everyone is talking about the Euros. It’s going to be an exciting match.”

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