ATLANTA, July 15 (Reuters) – Enzo Fernandez’s children will not be singing “the one who doesn’t jump is an Englishman” during Thursday’s World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England. Their mother, Valentina Cervantes, has banned them from doing so.
The reason is rooted in the same fact that defines their family’s unique identity: the children were born in England.
“They know they are Argentine, but they also have English passports,” Cervantes told Ciudad Magazine on Wednesday. “Singing that chant would be disrespectful to their birthplace.”
The 2026 semifinal pits Argentina against England in Atlanta. For the families of several Argentine players, this match is deeply personal. Their children, born in London or Manchester due to their fathers’ club careers, navigate a dual identity that will be tested on the pitch.
Who are the ‘British babies’ of the Argentina squad?
According to a LA NACION report, at least four players in the Argentine squad have children born in England. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) and Cristian Romero (Tottenham) all have kids who hold British passports.
The article describes these children as “more criollo than dulce de leche” – a sweet, caramel-like spread – despite their English birth certificates. They drink mate, eat asado, and watch their fathers play for Argentina. But they also speak English with British accents, attend local schools, and celebrate Christmas with a roast dinner.
The partners of the “Scaloneta” – the nickname for Argentina’s squad – began arriving in Atlanta earlier this week. Infobae reported that Agus Gandolfo (Romero’s partner), Valu Cervantes (Fernandez’s partner), Kelci Rose (Martinez’s partner) and Rocío Espósito (Alvarez’s partner) landed in Georgia to support their husbands.
The anthem that divides
“El que no salta es un inglés” translates to “He who doesn’t jump is an Englishman.” It is a staple of Argentine fan culture, particularly during matches against England. The chant references the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century.”
For Fernandez’s children, aged three and one, the chant creates a conflict. Their father plays for Argentina. Their mother is Argentine. But they were born in London, where their father plays for Chelsea.
“I told them: ‘You are Argentine, but you were born in England. That chant is not for you,'” Cervantes said. “They understand. They don’t sing it.”
The decision is practical. Cervantes fears bullying at school. She also worries about the emotional confusion of cheering against a country that has given her family a home, a job, and a future for her children.
Cultural crossroads: raising Argentine kids in England
The LA NACION report details how these families balance both cultures. Fernandez’s household speaks Spanish at home. The children eat traditional Argentine food. They watch their father’s matches on television, wearing Argentina jerseys.
But they also attend English schools. They play football in local parks with English children. They celebrate British holidays.
“They are not half-and-half,” Cervantes said. “They are 100% both. And that is something to be proud of.”
The Scaloneta family in Atlanta
The partners of the Scaloneta have formed a support network. According to Infobae, they traveled to Atlanta together, sharing hotels and childcare. Cervantes and Espósito were seen shopping with their children on Tuesday. Gandolfo posted a photo of the group having dinner at a local steakhouse.
“We are a family,” Gandolfo wrote on Instagram. “And family supports each other, no matter what.”
For the players, having their partners and children in the stands is a source of motivation. Fernandez has said that his children are his “biggest fans.” He has also acknowledged the complexity of their dual identity.
“They are Argentine,” he told reporters last week. “But they also have a connection to England. That is their reality.”
Looking ahead: the 2026 semifinal
Thursday’s match will be emotional for these families. The children will watch their fathers play for Argentina. But they will also see their peers – English children they know from school – cheering for the opposition.
Cervantes has prepared her children for this moment.
“I told them: ‘Papa is playing for Argentina. You can cheer for him. But you don’t have to cheer against England.'”
The children have decided they will wear Argentina shirts. But they will not sing the chants.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why won’t Enzo Fernandez’s children sing ‘He who doesn’t jump is an Englishman’?
- A: Their mother, Valentina Cervantes, banned them from singing the chant, as it would be disrespectful to their birthplace in England.
- Q: Which Argentine players have children born in England?
- A: At least four players: Enzo Fernandez, Lisandro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Cristian Romero all have kids with British passports.
- Q: How do these children balance dual identities?
- A: They embrace Argentine traditions like mate and asado while also speaking English with British accents and attending local schools in England.
Extended Reading
For further context on the “British babies” of Argentina’s World Cup squad, see LA NACION’s report “Nacieron en Inglaterra pero son más criollos que el dulce de leche” (July 14, 2026). Infobae’s coverage of the partners’ arrival in Atlanta (July 14, 2026) provides additional details on the Scaloneta family dynamics. Ciudad Magazine’s interview with Valentina Cervantes (July 15, 2026) offers direct quotes on the anthem ban.