Euro clash splits staff at Midlands stores

Today's the day we've all been waiting for – the weekend's finally here and the big match is on TV.

But the Sweden v England Euro 2012 match will mean split loyalties for staff at two Black Country stores.

Staff at Ikea's Wednesbury superstore have set up TVs so the night shift can see all the action.

Ikea marketing boss Jason Willmore said: "The staff will of course be supporting England but there is a bit of a conflict of interest because we work for a Swedish firm.

"The staff will be really keen to watch it, so it will be on the televisions for them in the canteen.

"There will be around 70 people working the evening shift, and they will be able to watch it on their breaks. We will also let them pop in to check the score every now and then as we anticipate it will be quiet.

"If England don't make it any further in the competition I am sure all the staff will be taking a keen interest in how Sweden are doing, and our allegiance might change."

When the two sides go head-to-head tonight, tension will also be high among workers at Swedish hardware shop Clas Ohlson in Merry Hill shopping centre.

While Swedish-born sales team leader Amrit Singh, 31, of Brierley Hill, is hoping his side will win, sales supervisor Lee Broome, 21, of Myrtle Road, Dudley, will be cheering on the Three Lions.

Mr Singh said: "I look forward to the game, and the rivalry which will go with it."

England V Sweden kicks off at 7.45pm.