The oldest international rivalry in football resumes at Wembley this evening – here is all you need to know.
England and Scotland may have faced each other on 112 occasions before, but the neighbouring countries have not met in a competitive fixture since 1999.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the time that has passed since the Euro 2000 play-off has certainly increased the anticipation ahead of their latest encounter.
The hosts currently sit top of Group F with seven points from their first three fixtures, but Scotland go into the match knowing they will go level on points with England if they emerge victorious.
Visiting manager Gordon Strachan is under pressure; there would be no better way to relieve that than with a win over the ‘Auld Enemy’.
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
The Key Battle – Wayne Rooney v Scott Brown
Two experienced campaigners are likely to come up against each other in midfield; Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Rooney will captain his side, while Brown has come out of international retirement for this clash.
England’s Wayne Rooney
Neither will give an inch in what is sure to be a fiery encounter, and whoever controls the tempo in the engine room will go a long way towards helping their side to victory.
Last Meeting:
The most recent battle between these two neighbours came in a friendly in November 2014, when a Wayne Rooney brace and one from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured a 3-1 victory for England at Hampden Park.
Since the very first meeting of these rivals in 1872 – a goalless draw – England just have the edge with 47 wins. Scotland have won this fixture 41 times, and there have been 24 draws.
Scotland’s Barry Bannan in action against England’s Jack Wilshere
Recent form – most recent last:
England – WDLWWD
Scotland – WLLWDL
Alan Shearer goal v Scotland – Euro 96
Who’s the ref?
Turkish official Cuneyt Cakir will be in charge.
The 39-year-old took control of Wales’ 2-2 draw in Austria in September, and also oversaw Leicester’s recent Champions League victory over Porto.
What time is kick off?
The action begins at Wembley at 7.45pm.
View inside Wembley Stadium
Where can I watch it?
ITV1 are showing this one, with coverage getting underway at 7.15pm.
Odds
England – 4/11
Draw – 7/2
Scotland – 10/1
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