Half of UK football fans admit secretly backing another country during international tournaments

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They sing the anthem, wear the shirt and swear loyalty to their home nation every four years. Yet behind closed doors, many football fans are keeping a second set of loyalties.

New research from Heathrow Express, the non-stop 15-minute service from Central London to Heathrow, reveals more than half of football fans (53%) admit they have a “second team” they support during major international football moments alongside their home nation.

For many fans, second-team support is something they keep under wraps - with more than a third (37%) confessing they have rooted for another country during a tournament without telling friends, family or colleagues. Almost one in three (32%) also admit they have pretended to support one team while quietly hoping another side wins.

For some fans, it’s less about supporting another nation and more about seeing rivals lose, with nearly two-thirds (63%) admitting they cheer for a team simply because they are playing against a rival country.

Once their own team is out of the running, loyalties shift fast. More than half of fans (54%) admit switching allegiances or adopting a new side during a tournament.

Spain, Brazil and Scotland emerge as Britain’s favourite “secret second teams”, followed by Portugal, France and Italy.

The biggest attraction is style of play (29%), ahead of star players (26%) and underdog stories (22%), while 17% say they simply pick a team for the fun of it.

Most supporters feel little guilt about their divided loyalties. More than a quarter (28%) say they are “not bothered” about backing another nation, while 17% believe it actually makes tournaments more enjoyable.

Not everyone is entirely comfortable, though. One in ten (10%) admit it feels “sneaky”, while others describe feeling disloyal, conflicted or guilty.

For many fans, international football inspires more than just support from the sofa - it also fuels travel plans, with 30% of fans saying football has made them want to travel abroad.

Spain tops the list of countries fans most want to visit after watching them at international tournaments, with Brazil, France, Italy and Portugal also proving popular.

Almost half of fans with a second team (45%) say they would consider travelling abroad if that nation reached the final, while one in eight supporters (12%) have already travelled overseas specifically to watch a match.

Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express, said: “One match, one player or one unforgettable atmosphere can suddenly put a country on someone’s travel list.

“With 86% of football fans saying it’s important to get to the airport quickly and easily when travelling overseas for a match, we know the journey before the flight matters just as much as the flight itself.”

Even for fans staying closer to home, tournaments have a way of taking over daily life. More than eight in ten supporters (82%) admit watching matches in unusual places - including at work (30%), on public transport (18%), during parties or social events (16%), and even at the airport before a flight (10%).

The beautiful game also brings out fans’ superstitious side. More than half (56%) follow at least one matchday ritual, from wearing lucky shirts and sitting in the same spot to refusing to move while their team is playing well.

Fans interested in planning a football-inspired getaway can find more information about Heathrow Express services and advance fares on the official Heathrow Express website.