It's a bit of friendly rivalry I suppose. Everyone hates the English when it comes to sport.
But do you ever sit down and think about why that is?
I always assumed it had historical beginnings. England were quite fond of conquering nations at one point, I doubt they found that very endearing.
Well history is a major part, but it is also the present day too.
I'm interested actually (and i'm sorry that this is deviating away from cricket, but there is a break until the next test isn't there?) to understand English perceptions of the Scots.
Recently they have been quite damning. We are painted as getting alot of social benefits given to us because of the Parliament. However more money is spent as per head on people living in both London and Northern Ireland, so that argument is sometimes unjustified.
I think Scotland and England, are too alike to get on really, yet they need each other more than they sometimes realise. The majority of Scots were the workhorse and the brainpower behind the British Empire, and Scots made their fortune from the Union. However this wasn't helped by a growing Scotto-phobia in the 1740-60s.
Bringing it back to the present day, I do believe that both countries have different cultures. Scotland is generally more leftist. The majority of employment is in the public, not private sector and alot of our areas are poor or in the wilderness. We were hurt badly, especially in the 80s
Anybody care to answer. As many will know we aren't a bunch of rebels or anything, as much as the English aren't arrogant. I blame the media for alot of the rivalry.
EwmanM's answer was interesting, but not really the point.
Amanda, your explanation is scandalously conceited. The reason just about no soul on earth likes to see English teams do well is simple: because they are so far up their own arses, it's beyond all comprehension. Moreover, my contempt towards English teams is amplified by the fact they have nought cubed to boast about. Get some perspective and learn some humility. Only then will I treat England like the rest of the home nations.

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