Venue: Wembley Stadium
Kick off: 19:45 GMT
Last time at Wembley: 3-2, August 2013
The oldest international fixture in the world returns once again to Wembley Stadium. The two nations have met in friendlies during recent years, but not since 1999 have they met in a competitive fixture. That time Scotland left victorious.
Can they do it again? The odds say no. However, anything can happen when the Three Lions meet the Tartan Terriers.
England vs Scotland: World Cup Qualifier
Preview
England team news
Interim boss Gareth Southgate is closely assessing Tottenham forward Harry Kane. The striker came through the North London derby last weekend unscathed and Southgate could be tempted to select him to lead the line. If not, expect Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge to start. England have no fresh injury worries and the manager can select what he feels to be his strongest possible team.
At the beginning of the week, Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster pulled out of the squad and was replaced by Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford. This is the second consecutive time that the young shot stopper has been called up to replace an injured keeper.
Rooney back as captain
One of main talking points has been Southgate’s decision to name Wayne Rooney as team captain. The Manchester United forward/midfielder was dropped for the last game in Slovenia and now has the chance to prove he still has what it takes to play at the international level.
Rooney has a point to prove. He has impressed for United recently and with Dele Alli injured, the match gives him the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and also keep his place in the national side’s starting line-up.
Whether he can do this is down to the player himself. At the present time, only Rooney and Jordan Henderson have been confirmed as definite starters.
Scotland team news
Under pressure manager Gordon Strachan has only one injury concern. Striker Steven Fletcher has injured his knee and is a doubt. Apart from Fletcher, Strachan has a full squad to choose from and he will be watching training closely as players battle it out to be in included in the starting XI.
With Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney injured, Lee Wallace and Steven Kingsley are going head to head for the left-back spot. Scott Brown could come in to the midfield after returning from international retirement. Chris Martin is expected to lead the line, as calls for Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths to start are falling on deaf ears.
A must win for both managers
Both managers are under pressure heading into this game. Gareth Southgate is halfway through his interim term and has two matches left to prove he is the man to take the national side forward. A victory over their oldest rivals and a good result against Spain next week may make it difficult for the Football Association to look elsewhere. However, performances have not been great of late and the time to start playing well is now if Southgate wants the job full-time.
Gordon Strachan is a man on the edge. If the Scots lose, it could signal the end of his reign. It has been a tough 18 months for the national side, as results and performance have not been up to scratch. Scotland are struggling so far in this campaign and the boss has been negative towards the nation’s footballers. Three wins in nine competitive games since January 2015 (Gibraltar twice and Malta) have not helped his cause. If there was ever a game to give him a stay of execution, then this certainly is it.
Current form
It is well documented that England were poor during Euro 2016; however after three games, England currently lead Group F with seven points. A late goal sealed victory in Slovakia, a 2-0 victory over Malta and a 0-0 draw in Slovenia followed. Although England are not performing as they can, results and clean sheets are there and they have put them in the pole position.
Scotland’s results over the past 18 months do not make for impressive reading. Just three competitive victories and below-par performances have made Gordon Strachan’s position difficult. They did begin this campaign well, securing a good 5-1 win away at Malta. This was followed by a disappointing draw at home to Lithuania and then an emphatic 3-0 defeat in Slovakia. The Scots currently lie fourth in the group and a much needed victory against the Auld Enemy is needed to boost confidence both on and off the pitch.
Stats
The last time the two sides met in a competitive game, it was Scotland who won. A Don Hutchison goal sealing a 1-0 Wembley win.
England are currently on a run of 32 international qualifiers without defeat.
Scotland are not traveling well of late. They have not scored in three of their last four away matches.
Recalled England captain Wayne Rooney enjoyed his last game against the Scots. Two goals came from just three shots.
The last word
England are certainly favourites heading into this game. However if history tells us anything, then it’s that form matters little in this fixture. Many times Scotland have left Wembley with a good result when an English victory was expected. The Three Lions on paper are the better side and should keep their place at the top of Group F.
The Scots will make it difficult though and being backed by 10,000 supporters in the stands, they could make it an uneasy night for Gareth Southgate’s men. If they don’t, a straight-forward victory for the home side should be expected.
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