People just realising what Scotland's 'national anthem' is ahead of Euros match

14 June 2024 , 14:16

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Scotland football fans in Munich ahead of their team's clash with Germany (Image: PA)

As Scotland prepares for its Euros clash with Germany tonight, some people are only just realising what the country's national anthem is.

We may be called United Kingdom, but there are many things that divide the four nations which make up the UK. One of these is the songs we sing at our sports matches, with each country boasting its own tunes.

Turns out, lots of us didn't know this. While God Save The King is the national anthem of both England and Britain, on the other side of the English border, you're much more likely to hear Flower of Scotland, the unofficial national anthem of the country.

"Is this officially the Scottish national anthem?" one person wrote, sharing a screenshot of the song to X (formerly Twitter). "If GSTK [God Save The King] is not the Scottish national anthem as well then what is."

Others pointed out God Save The King was likely not as popular in Scotland given one key line. "I thought God Save the King was an English anthem – that's what they play at England sporting events," one person wrote. "Anyway, who in Scotland sings an anthem that had a verse written and included about having 'rebellious Scots to crush'?"

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It might not be the best-known national anthem – or even an official one, given it hasn't been recognised by the Scottish government – but Flower of Scotland is a hit among those in the know. The song is the most-streamed national anthem in Europe, boasting nearly 5million plays on Spotify.

The news comes ahead of Scotland's match against Germany tonight (June 14). Some 200,000 Scottish fans are expected to tune into the game and proudly belt out their national anthem. But it's not looking good for the Tartan Army, with odds at 9/1 for them to claim the victory.

Even animal psychics seem to be backing Die Mannschaft. Walter the Orangutan from Dortmund Zoo backs Germany to win, according to the German embassy in London.

However, Theo the Tapir from Allwetterzoo Münster reckons Scotland have it in the bag, while Hilla the Sea Lioness at Leipzig Zoo reckons it'll be a draw.

Lizzie McAllister