Football’s oldest rivalry resumes on Tuesday when Scotland host England at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
The match will serve as a return leg after England defeated the Scots 3-2 in a thrilling friendly at Wembley Stadium back in August 2013. This will be the first time the Three Lions have visited their neighbours since they claimed a 2-0 victory at Hampden Park thanks to Paul Scholes’ double in 1999.
Scotland will fancy their chances of changing that trend. They come into this game brimming with confidence after they defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier last Friday. Shaun Maloney scored the only goal as Gordon Strachan’s side secured that valuable triumph, also at Celtic Park. The Scots are three points adrift of Poland in Group D and are now alongside Ireland and Germany.
They welcome Roy Hodgson’s side, who are enjoying a perfect Euro 2016 qualification campaign. The Three Lions have won all four qualification matches in Group E to date, including the 3-1 victory they recorded against Slovenia last Saturday at Wembley.
In the build-up to this game, Hodgson has been playing up its importance. While hinting at the possibility of changes in the side that will face the Scots, he emphasised that this match will matter to those who will feature. He hopes that they will seize the opportunity because international friendly matches present rare opportunities to impress.
Scotland team news
Striker Steven Fletcher is certain to miss out after he was withdrawn against Ireland due to an ankle knock.
Gordon Strachan recently revealed that Craig Gordon will earn his first Scotland cap in four years against the Three Lions.
England team news
Leighton Baines is ruled out due to a hamstring injury and goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to be rested
Luke Shaw was ineligible for Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Slovenia but he will be available for this game.
Scotland vs England Prediction
Steven Fletcher will not be risked for this game so Strachan could give Derby County’s in-form striker Chris Martin a start against the country of his birth. Strachan ideally goes for consistency in his selections, so Martin should lead the attack again after he came on when Steven Fletcher hobbled off against Ireland.
While players like Darren Fletcher are also expected to start as a consequence of Scotland’s rotation, a couple of regulars like Steven Naismith and Maloney should retain their places in midfield. The Scots will probably start with a 4-2-3-1 formation which will allow them to contain England’s midfield diamond when defending.
Fraser Forster is likely to replace Hart in goal ahead of Ben Foster. Hodgson could also pick different full-backs, allowing ex-Southampton defenders Shaw and Calum Chambers to start at left and right-back respectively. Saido Berahino could start up top alongside Wayne Rooney in a 4-4-2 formation.
This game should be a very competitive friendly. England may be favourites to win but they face a confident Scotland side with players like Naismith who are in good form. The first goal will therefore be crucial for either side.
