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England vs. Scotland: 5 classic matches ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier

By Peter Johnstone

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England is challenged by Scott Brown of Scotland during the International Friendly match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on August 14, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England is challenged by Scott Brown of Scotland during the International Friendly match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on August 14, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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England and Scotland face off in a World Cup Qualifier on Friday. This fixture is considered the oldest match in soccer, so we decided to take a look back at five of the best matches between the two sides.

Scotland vs. England was the first ever international soccer match, played for the first time way back in 1872. Since then it has become one of the world’s oldest and most fiercely contested sporting rivalries. The two sides lock horns once again on Friday night — this time in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup.

It’s certain to be a fiery contest with both teams desperate to come away with the bragging rights. To celebrate this fantastic match, and to get everyone psyched up for Friday night, we have decided to look back at five of the best matches between Scotland and England.

5. England 3-2 Scotland – Aug. 14, 2013

A 2013 friendly between the two sides is perhaps a surprise inclusion but this match embodied everything that’s great about the fixture. This game reignited the rivalry as the teams had not played each other in 14 years. Both of them were desperate to win and the intensity of the match took nothing away from the quality.

Scotland came out of the blocks quickly and their early pressure led to James Morrison opening scoring, thanks in part to some questionable goalkeeping by England’s with Joe Hart. England were back on terms 15 minutes later when Theo Walcott had a good run which ended with a composed finish past Allan McGregor.

It was more of the same in the second half. Kenny Miller put Scotland back in front with a wonderful strike but Danny Welbeck put England back on terms with a solid header from a free-kick. The Scots would live to rue their mistakes from set plays as Rickie Lambert rose highest at a corner to put England ahead with his first touch in international soccer. This was a modern day classic which demonstrated the importance of this fixture. There was nothing on the line but reputation here and both teams played out of their skins for the full 90 minutes.

4. England 1-5 Scotland – March 31, 1928

This match was only slightly before my time (64 years) but any Scottish fans who were fortunate enough to see this match will never have forgotten it. Scotland tore England apart in a resounding victory in which Alex Jackson scored a hat-trick for the Scots.

Bob Kelly added a late consolation for England but there was nothing they could do to stop Scotland that day. So much so that the Scottish team were dubbed the “Wembley Wizards” for their amazing performance.

3. England 2-0 Scotland – June 15, 1996

England and Scotland faced off in Group A of the the 1996 European Championships. After a cagey first half, Alan Shearer broke the deadlock with one of his trademark headers. The match was not over, though, and Scotland won a penalty when Tony Adams brought down Gordon Durie in the box. Gary McAllister stepped up to try and level the score, but his penalty was saved by David Seaman.

This match is best remembered for the legendary Paul Gascoigne’s wonder goal. Gascoigne had a moment of brilliance when he skillfully lifted the ball over Colin Hendry’s head before volleying it past a helpless Andy Goram.

2. England 0-1 Scotland – Nov. 17,1999

The two bitter rivals met once again, this time in a two legged playoff for Euro 2000. In the first leg at Hampden Park, England were ruthless. They won 2-0 after a rare double from Paul Scholes, and Scottish fans could have been forgiven for thinking the tie was over.

A resurgent Scotland came to Wembley and took the lead through a Don Hutchinson header after a brilliant cross from Neil McCann. England ended up hanging on for dear life with David Beckham slotting in at right back for the final twenty minutes. Scotland could not get that elusive second goal, though, and England progressed to the Euros.

1. England 2-3 Scotland – April 15,1967

This is probably Scotland’s finest victory over England, or the Auld Enemy as they are referred to in Scotland. England had won the World Cup in 1966 and had not lost a match since. This led many to believe Scotland didn’t stand a chance in this European Championship qualifier.

The Scots truly embraced the role of underdog, winning 3-2 thanks to goals from Denis Law, Bobby Lennox and Jim McCalliog. One of the most memorable moments of this match came when Scotland’s Jim Baxter slowed the game down to walking pace and started doing keepie uppies. After this victory, many dubbed Scotland the unofficial world champions.

All of these matches are fantastic examples of why this rivalry is so important to England and Scotland fans. If Friday’s match is like any of these, then we’re in for a treat. Here’s hoping it lives up to expectations.

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