Southgate calls for calm heads from England against Scotland
On the 150th anniversary of the oldest international fixture recorded, Gareth Southgate’s England side will travel to Hampden Park to take on Scotland. Although regarded as a ‘friendly’, the significant bragging rights are on the line in what is certain to be a heated contest between two sides that are desperate to make their mark. Express Sport takes a look back on the five most memorable moments between the two outfits…
Late thriller – 2017
Heading into the final five minutes of the World Cup qualifier between the two sides, it looked like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second-half goal would settle the tie. However, a late brace from then-Celtic star Leigh Griffiths sent Hampden Park into a frenzy with just minutes left on the clock.
As the final 60 seconds of added time approached, Scotland let the pressure get the better of them and lost possession inside their own half – and it proved decisive. Raheem Sterling was able to whip a deep cross into the box for Harry Kane to guide home and earn his side a valuable point, whilst crushing the homes of the home crowd.
Violent pre-matches scenes – 2016
England’s 3-0 win over the ‘Auld Enemy’, thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill, was overshadowed by the pre-match scenes in 2016. Fans clashed in the stands at Wembley Stadium and videos were shared online of supporters being left bloodied after violent clashes, which were speculated to have started in Trafalgar Square.
Don’t miss… Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino given food for thought after England U21s win[LATEST]
Paul Gascoigne’s iconic celebration – 1996
Perhaps the most memorable moment between the two countries came at Euro 96 when Paul Gascoigne performed his ‘Dentist’s Chair’ celebration. Following Alan Shearer’s opener, the midfielder put the game to bed late on with an unbelievable solo goal that saw him flick the ball over the head of a defender and smash a fierce volley past Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram to make it 2-0.
Gascoigne celebrated in equally eye-catching fashion when dropping to his back and having water squirted into his mouth from a distance, recreating what was known within the squad as the ‘Dentist’s Chair’, where alcohol would usually be poured into the mouth of the ‘patient’.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Tartan pitch invasion – 1977
Scotland secured their first win at Wembley for a decade when beating England 2-1 with goals from Gordon McQueen and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, though it was not the performance that lives on in the memory. The pitch invasion that followed the win is widely regarded as an iconic moment among Scots, with the goal frames being destroyed among the celebrations and players paraded around the pitch on the shoulders of adoring fans.
Chilly centenary – 1973
Despite going out of their way to organise the tie, the centenary game was not one to remember for Scotland. They were beaten 5-0 by the Three Lions on an incredibly cold afternoon at Hampden Park.
In conditions that would today be deemed as unplayable, snow was piled up around the edge of the pitch and ice coated the grass to intensify the fixture. Allan Clarke and Mick Channon were among the goal scorers on the day, with Willie Ormond’s first match as Scotland manager being one to forget.
Source: Read Full Article