Kelci Bowers finds herself in an unusual position ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. The 22-year-old English footballer is the partner of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi, who recently joined Tottenham Hotspur from Bournemouth.
Bowers addresses loyalty questions on TikTok
In a TikTok video, Bowers explained her stance: 'Hey guys, I thought I would jump on here and address the situation that every single person is currently asking me: England or Argentina? So, of course, crazy situation, didn't think that this was going to happen. It's kind of crazy that England are playing Argentina in the semi-final, that's not happened forever.'
She added: 'This situation is very unique for me of course, being English and England making it to the semi-final is a crazy accomplishment and I'm super proud of my country. Of course, my partner is playing for Argentina. So, with anyone in any relationship, whatever your partner does, you're going to support them of course.'
Bowers' football background
Bowers played for Bournemouth until the end of last season and represented England's Lionesses at youth level, having also been at Chelsea earlier in her career. She has been attending the World Cup to support Senesi, who was a late call-up after an injury to Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi. The 29-year-old defender earned his fourth cap for Argentina during the group stage against Jordan.
Bowers continued: 'For me, playing football, being able to come to the World Cup and travel around has been amazing. Supporting Argentina, embracing the culture in Argentina and posting on my social media, wearing the Argentina shirt is something that I've been doing. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.'
Awkward family ties
While English fans will be roaring on the Three Lions, Bowers admitted the situation is 'weird'. She said: 'Of course, now England are playing Argentina, there is some controversy about what I'm going to do. I'm going to go to the game, I'm going to enjoy the game, I'm going to respect both teams, I'm going to be cheering on for my partner. I'm going to be wishing England the best game and I'm just going to enjoy it guys.'
Bowers also revealed she does not watch much football: 'For me, if you know me, you will know that I don't actually watch football. I play football and I love football but I don't actually watch it. For me, it's a bit of a different situation.'
The winner of the semi-final will face Spain in Sunday's final, after Spain beat France in Arlington on Tuesday.
