Pub locals on the Falklands say they're convinced England will 'send the Argentinians back home' with World Cup victory and laugh at their latest claim to the islands

Residents of the Falkland Islands have expressed unwavering confidence that a World Cup victory by England will serve as a symbolic repatriation of Argentine forces, dismissing recent assertions by Buenos Aires regarding the archipelago’s sovereignty. As the England versus Argentina football match approaches, the Falklands’ small population is preparing for a day of heightened national pride and communal celebration. The game, set to kick off at 8pm local time in London and 4pm in Port Stanley, has drawn particular attention due to the historical tensions between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falklands. In anticipation, residents have begun gathering in the island’s two primary venues, The Victory Bar and The Rose Bar, both located in the capital city of Port Stanley. Argentina’s foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, recently reiterated the nation’s stance on the Falklands, asserting that the British presence since 1833 constitutes an “illegitimate occupation.” He emphasized that time does not legitimize such an occupation and described it as a violation of Argentina’s territorial integrity. Additionally, Quirno contended that the principle of self-determination does not apply because the current Falkland population was “implanted” by the UK, thus rendering their views on the territory’s future invalid. Despite these claims, Sheila Harvey, landlady of The Rose Bar, voiced strong opposition. A lifelong resident of the Falklands, she stated unequivocally that the islands remain British. She noted that the upcoming match has already attracted larger crowds than previous international fixtures, prompting her to prepare additional supplies of beer to meet demand. “We’re expecting it to be packed out,” she said, highlighting the community’s collective hope for an English victory. Harvey, who was seven years old during the Falklands War in 1982, shared images online that humorously juxtaposed current England players with historical photographs of British soldiers from the conflict. One image depicted Harry Kane, Dan Burn, and Jordan Pickford as Royal Marines, while another showed the England squad marching in formation with an England flag tied to a backpack, echoing a famous 1982 photograph of troops advancing toward Port Stanley. Residents of the Falklands, many of whom were children during the 1982 war, are keenly aware of the emotional weight attached to the match. For them, an English victory is not merely a sporting triumph but a reaffirmation of their identity and allegiance to the United Kingdom. The Victory Bar staff echoed similar sentiments, expressing hopes for a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere despite the historical animosity between the nations. In preparation for the match, The Victory Bar posted a photograph on its Facebook page featuring a key ring bearing the H982 FLK license plate, famously associated with Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson during a controversial 2014 episode in which he drove through Argentina. This incident had led to widespread protests and diplomatic friction, though it is unrelated to the current match. With the match drawing near, the Falklands’ population is bracing for a day filled with anticipation, camaraderie, and national pride. As the world watches, the outcome of the game could carry profound significance for the residents of the Falklands, whose hopes rest on the performance of the England team.