It’s a fixture that stirs great emotion north and south of the border, and tonight the oldest rivalry in international football will play out its next fascinating chapter at Wembley Stadium.
For England, a win will guarantee their spot in the last-16 of Euro 2020. For Scotland, defeat isn’t an option if they wish to remain in the tournament. With 22,500 fans at Wembley, and millions more watching around the UK, this Group D fixture is the most eagerly anticipated game of the tournament so far.
As well as keeping their Euros campaign alive, the Tartan Army will be searching for their first win over the Auld Enemy in 22 years and only their fourth victory in 40 years. And despite thousands of – mainly ticketless – Scots arriving in London with big dreams, the bookies have the hosts as clear favourites.
But with Scotland looking to make their first impression on an international tournament in 23 years, and England’s defence not at full strength, a famous night at Wembley may await. However, with Arsenal star Kieran Tierney rated 50/50 to play, having also missed the 2-0 defeat to Czech Republic at Hampden Park, Scotland’s job will be that bit harder.
The likes of Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry will need to have eyes everywhere, with England’s rich array of attacking options licking their lips at the prospect of facing a wounded Scotland side. Harry Kane will be desperate to get his first goal of the tournament, Raheem Sterling will be looking to add to his winning effort versus Croatia, and the likes of Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish will be aiming to wreak the havoc they regularly do for their clubs.
The last meeting between the sides in June 2017 will give Scotland hope, though. England toiled amongst the heavy Hampden atmosphere before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave the visitors the lead with 20 minutes to go. Then all hell broke loose in Glasgow. Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths – who many believe should be in the squad this summer – scored two magnificent free-kicks from almost identical positions in the 87th and 90th minute to send fans in the Hampden stands absolutely wild. With a whole nation screaming for the final whistle, Kane – who else – equalised for England with just one minute of injury time remaining.
The old saying in football is that form goes out of the window on derby day. Let battle commence.
