With a Son Almost 'English,' Enzo Fernández's Partner Admits to 'Strangeness' Ahead of England-Argentina Clash

Valentina Cervantes, partner of Argentine international Enzo Fernández, has admitted that the upcoming 2026 World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina will be "strange" for her family, given their strong ties to their adopted country.

Enzo made the move from Benfica to Chelsea in January 2023, following the Qatar World Cup. The couple already had a daughter, Olivia, and later welcomed their son, Benjamin, in England.

In an interview with the Santa Fe newspaper Aire, Cervantes explained that their son's birth on English soil was one reason why the family doesn't participate in one of the most well-known Argentine chants against England. "We don't let him jump when they sing 'whoever doesn't jump is English,'" she stated, referring to a popular celebration among players and fans during this World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder's partner added that their daughter shares the same perspective. "Olivia also says: 'that's where I live.' They are children, they speak with innocence," she emphasized, assuring that she holds no animosity towards England ahead of the clash between the two rivals in Atlanta.

For her children, the game is "strange," a feeling she herself shares. "We also experience it that way. It's where we've lived for three years, so it's going to be a very special game. It's a country that has given us a lot; we have family there," she continued.

This sentiment is echoed by other relatives of Argentine players. Silvina Riela, grandmother of Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, has lived in England since her grandson moved to Brighton in 2020. "My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings that whoever doesn't jump is English, I sit with her," she revealed.

Conversely, there are parallel stories, such as that of Englishwoman Kelci-Rose Bowers, Marco Senesi's girlfriend, who has chosen to support Argentina.

The match in Atlanta has been classified as the tournament's "highest risk" fixture, leading to the implementation of extensive security measures. A meeting on Monday between the FBI, FIFA, and police discussed concerns about potential confrontations, with particular attention given to circulation areas where fans might cross paths.