How ‘Scouse Not English’ Defines Liverpool’s Relationship With England | OneFootball

Scouse Identity and England’s Football Disconnect

When England named their latest squad for the World Cup qualifiers, there was something striking about the absence of Liverpool players. For the first time in four years, no one from Anfield was selected. This comes despite Liverpool having been crowned Premier League champions recently and enjoying a perfect start to the season. The omission of Curtis Jones, who has been in decent form, may have raised eyebrows elsewhere, but for many on Merseyside it barely registered. That, to me, speaks volumes about Liverpool’s complex and deeply rooted relationship with England.

Liverpool’s Sense of Place

Liverpool has always been different, and proudly so. The city’s identity was shaped by immigration, particularly from Ireland, giving it a cultural make-up distinct from the rest of England. Being a major port gave Liverpool global links and a cosmopolitan outlook, which often made it feel like a city apart. Over the decades, that difference was amplified by politics and tragedy. From Thatcher-era conflicts to Hillsborough, the city was frequently cast as an outsider, and many embraced that label rather than fought it.

Photo: IMAGO

This is why I believe the connection between Liverpool and England’s football team has grown weaker. It is not simply about sport, it is about belonging. The anthem being booed at Wembley or in cup finals is often misunderstood as disrespect, but for many it is an act of defiance and a reminder that the city feels othered by the institutions it is asked to stand behind.

Fading Enthusiasm for England

I can remember a time when watching England was a communal event, when World Cups and Euros brought everyone together. That feels distant now. In Liverpool, there is less interest in supporting England collectively. Some will still watch, but the emotional connection is gone. Social media has amplified this sentiment, with younger generations openly questioning why they should get behind a team that has often felt disconnected from their reality.

Personally, I no longer feel any pull towards supporting England. If anything, I sometimes take quiet satisfaction in seeing them falter, because it reminds me that the disdain often directed at Liverpool and its supporters is mutual. That might sound petty to some, but it is honest. When you grow up being told your accent is criminal, your city is a problem, and your football club is to blame, it is no surprise that many choose to stand apart.

Identity as Resistance

This is not about rejecting being English entirely, because plenty in Liverpool do feel English and support the national team. For me, it is about holding on to a sense of pride in being Scouse and seeing that as distinct from being English. It is about taking ownership of that identity and accepting that Liverpool is often in opposition to the mainstream narrative.

Ultimately, this is why I do not expect outrage when Liverpool players are overlooked for England duty. There will always be a pride in their performances for Liverpool, but whether they wear the Three Lions or not means very little. For many, supporting Liverpool is enough, and that will always be the true expression of who we are.