England against Norway match splits couple living in Oslo

By Lula White

A footy-mad couple say Saturday's World Cup match will split their household down the middle, as one supports England and the other is cheering for Norway.

James Wallond, 34, will be rooting for the Three Lions but his wife Emma, 31, will be on Norway's side.

The British pair, originally from Milton Keynes, have lived in Oslo for the last six years.

Emma, a marketing agency owner, says seeing the Norwegians celebrate their wins so far has fueled her love for the team.

But James is firm that he is sticking with his "English roots."

The couple are donning their rival team shirts and are preparing to cheer for the opposite teams from the same sofa.

Emma said: "This is such a difficult one. My head is saying England, but my heart is with Norway.

"I am proud of my English roots, but nothing prepared me for the atmosphere that has swept across Norway during the tournament.

"They haven't qualified for a major tournament for ages, so every result has meant absolutely everything.

"When they qualified, fireworks were going off. When they won their first group game against Iceland on June 17, we woke up at 2 a.m. to fireworks, people screaming with excitement and cars honking their horns.

"The funny thing is the sun barely sets at this time of year, so you could hear the fireworks more than you could actually see them."

James, a global key account manager in the green technology sector, and Emma met while studying at university and later worked together at Volkswagen.

Emma believes the celebrations have felt very different from those she's experienced back home.

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She said: "In England we're almost used to getting through the early stages, so the excitement doesn't really build until the semifinals.

"Here, every single win has brought people together. It feels like it means so much more because they've gone so much further than anyone expected."

She watched Norway's defeat to France in central Oslo and says the mood across the city immediately changed.

She added: "Everyone was genuinely disappointed. Then I watched the Brazil game outside City Hall when Norway won and it was unbelievable. There were thousands of people celebrating together."

For Emma, it's the sense of community that has stood out most.

She said: "Norwegians usually keep themselves to themselves, but after the victories everyone was talking to strangers, standing on balconies cheering and celebrating together.

"It feels really community-driven. Everyone is just enjoying the moment together.

"In England the celebrations can sometimes get a bit rowdy. Here it's been much more about everyone coming together.

"It's been amazing to witness. Being here has shown me what this tournament has meant to Norway, and a small part of me doesn't want that feeling to end."

Despite his wife's growing affection for Norway, James has no doubts about where his loyalties lie.

James said: "I'm from England so I support England. I have my flag outside the house.

"It's where I'm from. There's definitely an affection for Norway because we've built our life here, but England is who I am and who I'll always support."

The friendly rivalry has become part of the fun in the Wallond household, with both determined to enjoy the occasion whatever the result.

James said: "We'll definitely be cheering against each other.

"If England lose, I've already got my Norway hat ready and it'll be straight on."