‘Home Away From Home’ is a new editorial series from VERSUS and VISA, where we hear how some of the most influential voices in football culture are lining up behind ‘second teams’ this summer in celebration of the world class football on our doorstep. Next up, we meet one of the most gifted wordsmiths in UK culture, Guvna B, and hear about his love of the France national team.

Isaac Borquaye AKA Guvna B is a rapper, author, public speaker and all-round East London living-legend. The lifelong West Ham fan loves everything football. From the grassroots game to watching his beloved Irons represent in the UEFA Europa League, Guvna’s manor transcends the game’s top flights, and it’s Custom in his House that others recognise that too.To Guvna, the beauty in the ‘beautiful game’ is in its ability to speak to people from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how old you are or what team you support, football should be for everyone. Football’s power to unite and bring people together is one of the reasons why he’s enjoyed watching UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 so far this summer. The tournament’s ability to introduce the women’s game to those who otherwise might not have had access to it, helps to foster an environment whereby fans see football as just that. Football. It shouldn’t matter who’s playing it, the game remains the same. And so should our respect for it as fans. VERSUS sat down with the Massive music icon to talk about the power of international football, why he thinks this tournament will act as a tool for changing outdated perceptions of the women’s game, and his adoration for France’s women’s national team.

VERSUS: ‘Home Away From Home’ is about encouraging fans to open their eyes and ears to the amazing teams playing in England this summer. Why do you think that’s an important thing to do?

Guvna B: I think it’s great to provide as many pathways and access points to women’s football as feasibly possible. When I’m watching women’s football – regardless of what country or team are playing – I’m seeing families, young people, men and women from all walks of life enjoying the action. It’s great football! I think, put your outdated views to one side and just appreciate: a) the quality on display and b) the fact this is a game that can bring people together. Football’s ability to unite people is powerful, and supporting a second team can help it do just that.

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"Supporting more than one team encourages others to find ways they can get involved, so do it…go and support your ‘home away from home’ people!"

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This tournament has the power to change some of the perceptions about women’s football. What would you say to people who might not put the women’s game on the same pedestal as the men’s?If I’m being completely honest with you, I’ve never been able to relate to those people.

I think that you can enjoy various things at the same time, and for different reasons. My love for football doesn’t solely apply to the Premier League – don’t get me wrong, I love West Ham! But I also love grassroots, Conference League and League Two football. You get a lot of people turn up to those games regardless of the quality of football on offer. The standard of football we’ve got the privilege of watching this month and every week in the Women’s Super League is amazing, and if you’re a football fan, you should be able to recognise that.

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"Ultimately, I just think, stop comparing stuff man! Obviously men and women have their genetic differences, but they can still play the game to a ridiculously high standard! Just open your mind and try to take it for what it is."

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I think, for a lot of people, they don’t watch women’s football or want to give it the time of day because of ‘mob mentality’. They don’t see their mates or acquaintances watching or talking about the games, and when they do hear things, it’s usually silly comments based on narrow mindedness. Just give it a try! Me and my mates have been chilling at home, watching the games, having a laugh – it’s no different to when England were playing last summer. People just need to put aside the noise from the outside and not be so easily swayed. Be your own person.