England and Scotland share an island, a border, and a widespread love of football. But rarely have they shared a similar level of optimism before a major tournament.
As the two old rivals prepare to face off against the 150th anniversary of the oldest international match, both sides are looking forward to next summer’s European Championship amid their unbeaten qualifying campaigns.
For the first time ever, England and Scotland have qualified for next summer’s European Championships in Germany with just a few games left to play. Indeed, Steve Clarke’s Scotland are the shining light for his country in the qualifiers thanks to their 100 per cent perfect record, picking up two more points than England in a much tougher group.
So, England and Scotland will go into Tuesday’s match with more confidence than ever. The Three Lions, who qualified for the final at the last Euro two years ago, are expected to be one of the contenders again next summer. But with question marks over Gareth Southgate’s future, this could be the England manager’s last chance to win the title.
Meanwhile, two major trophies in two years under Clarke – after 22 years out of the international limelight – represent a golden era for Scotland. And with recent ups and downs against the likes of Spain and Ukraine, Scotland will be hoping for more shocks over the next 12 months, starting on Tuesday night against England.
Although England have the riches of the Premier League and Scotland have only two players in this year’s Champions League, recent history shows these encounters remain close despite differences in experience.
After all, the last time England tasted victory over Scotland was during Gareth Southgate’s first year in 2016. The last two matches ended in tense draws.
The Scots were minutes away from a huge World Cup qualifying win at Hampden in 2017 after two memorable free-kicks from Lee Griffiths, but Harry Kane spoiled the party with an injury-time equaliser.
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Sky Sports’ Luke Shanley believes Scotland have the “right foundations” in their squad after they have claimed five wins out of five in the European qualifiers.
Then, during a rainy European Championship group stage match at Wembley, Scotland drew England 0-0, with Steve Clarke’s side closing in on the points through great chances from Stephen O’Donnell and Lyndon Dykes.
With Scotland winning five matches in a row, and unbeaten in nine, buoyed by recent victories over Spain and Norway led by Erling Haaland, this represents their best chance of overcoming their rivals after a quarter-century without a win.
So, is this really friendly? There is no chance.
Southgate: It would be ridiculous
England coach Gareth Southgate:
“We have to find the balance between physical freshness, experience, getting to know the players, winning and playing well. The usual that is expected of us with England. We can’t mess with the team because we are playing against a big team at full capacity. Tilt who will give us a high level challenge. You can’t over-experiment because that It would be ridiculous.
“It’s dreadful considering we play Scotland tomorrow, but I was rooting for them in 1978 (in the World Cup) because we didn’t qualify, so I followed that shock against Peru and Holland. We came back in 1982 and from then on it was all about England.
“It’s a great game. I’ve met and worked with a lot of players on this match over the years. It’s a great game. I know there’s competition and people will be worried about going too far but it’s a great game”. Sports competition. It is a great game to participate in.
We see it as a test for us as a team, in an intimidating atmosphere. This kind of night has been important for our progression, so it will be great to get to know those who haven’t experienced it yet. It’s a challenge we’ve got to have fun. We have to remind ourselves that we care about the team and we have to show that.”
Clark: We’re trying to bridge the gap
Scotland coach Steve Clark:
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Scotland manager Steve Clarke expects a competitive battle when Scotland host England in a friendly to mark the 150th anniversary of football’s oldest game.
“It’s been 150 years in the making, so it’s always good matches, always competitive.
“In modern times for sure, in my lifetime, England have probably moved a little bit further ahead. We’re trying to narrow the gap with them and we’ll find out tomorrow how far we’ve closed that gap.”
“It’s going to be a competitive friendly, if you can get something like that. I think both teams will want to win. Obviously the boys from both sides interact with each other at different clubs. They meet each other throughout the season so both sides want to Bragging rights.
“We’re going to try to get out of this match what we need, so I have some things that I want to see on the field, testing ourselves against big opponents, which we’ll have a lot of.” over the next 12-18 months.
Gareth will use it the way he wants to use it. I don’t think it really matters how the two teams are set up or what both camps will be like once you get here. [with] game atmosphere. They will be very competitive and it should be a good match.”
Will Colwell and Nikitia get their chance in England?
Sky Sports News chief correspondent Rob Dorsett:
“Kieran Trippier He will be present at the press conference with Gareth Southgate today, which is usually an indication that he will start.
Does that mean he will be at right-back instead? Kyle Walker Or left back instead Ben Chilwell?
“Maybe there won’t be many changes, it’s an important match.
“That means it’s hard on Eddie Nketiah. He will be desperate to make his England debut. I expect Harry Kane to lead the line up front, so he may have to wait his turn, but I think Southgate will want to play him on the pitch.
“You’d probably say the same about him Levi Colwell. I think Southgate will want to give him some game time. It could start side by side Harry Maguire. He was Mark Joeyhi He participated against Ukraine and did not commit any mistakes. We will wait and see.
“One thing that might change is the goalkeeper. We know that Jordan Pickford It is the first choice however Aaron Ramsdell He traveled with England extensively and had very few opportunities. This could be a good opportunity for Southgate to see him in action – or even Sam Johnston.“
Three unforgettable matches between England and Scotland
Paul Gascoigne celebrates putting England 2-0 ahead against Scotland in Euro 96
England and Scotland meet at Hampden Park to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the oldest international match. Take a look at the most memorable matches between these two teams since then…
England 2-0 Scotland – European Championship 96: The second half was everything. Illusionist Uri Geller claimed to have flicked the ball into the spot for a Gary McAllister miss from 12 yards, only for Paul Gascoigne to score one of England’s greatest goals with their second. And then celebrate the dentist’s chair!
England 2-3 Scotland – 1967: The Three Lions were recently crowned world champions – but suffered a shock defeat by Scotland at Wembley to end their 20-match unbeaten run. Denis Law, Bobby Lennox and Jim McCallough all scored, and the Scots held on despite Geoff Hurst and Jack Charlton scoring.
England 3-2 Scotland – 2013: Ricky Lambert, do you remember him? The former Southampton and Liverpool striker scored his first – and only memorable – goal for England on his debut, sealing the suspense after Kenny Miller set up a fearsome brace for the Three Lions.
Winner Rickie Lambert settled the 2013 encounter between England and Scotland
Follow the Scotland and England match on Sky Sports digital platforms via the live blog on Tuesday evening; Kick off at 7.45pm
