Kelci Bowers is used to being close to the action when it comes to watching England play football.
The 22-year-old AFC Bournemouth defender, who was born in Portsmouth and raised in Gosport, grew up representing her country at youth level.
But she faces an unusual split allegiance tonight as England take on Argentina at the World Cup semi final thanks to her relationship with Argentinian defender Marcos Senesi. The pair met during a photoshoot while they each played for Bournemouth’s respective men’s and women’s teams, and their romance has now left Ms Bowers admitting she’ll be wearing blue and white to tonight’s game.
“It’s a very unusual situation for me,” she told The Times. “I grew up wearing an England shirt and had the privilege of representing England, so that connection will always be incredibly strong. England making it to the semi-final is a crazy accomplishment and I’m super proud of my country.”
Ms Bowers said she has faced questions from “every single person” about where her loyalties will lie, and gave a diplomatic answer, saying she will support Mr Senesi “personally” while “still feeling incredibly proud whenever I see England on a stage like this”.
“When your partner is playing in one of the biggest games of his career, naturally you want him to do well too,” she said. “It’s probably the only game where I’ll be feeling nervous for both sides.”
Mr Senesi has attracted headlines this summer after his high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur was announced. He was then given a late call-up to represent his country at the World Cup after Leonardo Balerdi picked up an injury.
Ms Bowers, who played for England under-19s, described watching her partner play on the biggest stage as “one of the most special but nerve-racking experiences” she has ever had watching sport.
“As a player, you’re so used to experiencing tournaments from within the team environment, so watching from the stands has been completely different,” she said.
“I’ve loved being around the supporters, taking in the atmosphere and seeing the game from another perspective. It’s also been brilliant to witness the quality, intensity and emotion of the tournament up close.”
But she admitted it has at times been hard to turn off her instincts as a player: “You naturally notice the tactical details, the movement, the decisions players make and the pressure they’re under,” she said. “At the same time, it’s been nice to experience the game as a supporter and enjoy all the emotions without having to prepare to step onto the pitch myself.”
She added: “I have best intentions for both teams. Whatever the outcome is, we’ll just see.”
