Argnetina are set to face England in a World Cup semi-final (Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister’s mother has revealed that her son’s spell in the Premier League has completely changed her view of England. The Liverpool midfielder is likely to start for Argentina against England in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The two countries are set to add to their footballing history, having played out notable World Cup encounters in 1986 and 1998. However, there are also political undertones to the fixture due to the 1982 Falklands War.
The 74-day conflict claimed the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British service personnel, alongside three civilians. The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory, which Argentina claims sovereignty over and calls the Malvinas. Argentina players chanted about the Falklands after their quarter-final win over Switzerland: “For the Malvinas, For Diego [Maradona], For Leo’s [Messi’s] last one.” The players also participated in an anti-English chant that has been sung by Argentines for decades: “And you see it, and you see it, anyone who doesn’t jump is an Englishman.” This backdrop influenced how Silvina Riela, the mother of Liverpool star Mac Allister, perceived England before her son relocated to the Premier League. Silvina acknowledged previously holding misconceptions until experiencing time in the country.
“I had a rather negative impression of England, at least regarding living there, due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, ‘I hope we never end up in England,'” she said on Radio Mitre’s ‘Alguien tiene que decirlo’ programme.
“But now that I’ve experienced it, everything has changed, even the way I see the people. I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way.”
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Addressing the anti-English sentiment within Argentine football, she added: “There is that situation involving England, stemming somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands. As [Argentina manager Lionel] Scaloni said, it’s just a football match.
“My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is English,’ I stay seated with her. I can’t join in on that; I don’t participate in that part,” she laughed.
Alexis Mac Allister is aiming to win the World Cup for a second time (Image: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
Mac Allister is targeting back-to-back World Cup triumphs and has started all six of Argentina’s matches at the tournament to date. Ahead of the semi-final clash, the 27-year-old outlined his perspective on the England rivalry and offered his thoughts on the Falklands War.
“We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history,” Mac Allister said. “Obviously, we also realise that this isn’t the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power, so we shouldn’t conflate the two.
“I have a lot of respect for [England]; I’ve been there for six years now, and they’ve always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing perspective, there’s no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it’s going to be a very tough match. So now, the task is to prepare the best we can; while there is mutual respect, it’s going to be a great battle out on the pitch.”