England vs Scotland Friendly 2013
England vs Scotland Preview:
Date: August 14, 2013;
Time: 8:00 PM BST;
Venue: Wembley Stadium — London.
Rooney could return on the field against rivalry neighbours, despite training with the Manchester United second team. England against Scotland is a classic in British football.
England is a big favourite, but through all this it is old derby. But this match could take some other importance especially ahead of the EPL kicks off. Last match the Three Lions finished in a 1-1 draw with Ireland. Scotland could be considered at the same level as Ireland. Scotland have looked a little more strong since Gordan Strachan took them, but England have been progressively getting better too during their World Cup qualification. The England fans expect that the Three Lions will show superior game at Wembley.
England is undefeated in their last 5 matches having 2 wins and 3 straight draws. In the WC Qualification the Three Lions stands second 2 points behind Montenegro with a game in hand and 1 point ahead of 3-rd placed Ukraine. England not faced Scotland since 1999. The last time England played Scotland in a friendly fixture at Wembley was a 2-2 draw in 1953. Roy Hodgson took forward Wayne Rooney in spite of the media surrounding about his possible exit from Manchester United to Chelsea. In accordance to the rumours Chelsea failed in two bids.
Scotland finished their last five fixtures with2 defeats and 3 wins. Last game they managed a surprising 1-0 away win to Croatia in World Cup Qualification. Gordan Strachan has won just two of his four games as a Scotland head coach. Also, Strachan has a very inexperienced squad, cause 16 players having represented their international for 10 times or less.
Roy Hodgson lived Ashley Young without attention this time. Also, the England head coach is confident that Wayne Rooney will be able to play at Wembley.
Gordan Strachan can’t count on Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt due to a groin injury. Experienced Darren Fletcher, Gary Caldwell and Steven Fletcher once again will miss out for Scotland.
England line-up: Hart, Walker, Cahill, Jones, Baines, Wilshere, Cleverley, Lampard, Walcott, Rooney, Welbeck.
Last three matches:
Brazil 2 – England 2;
England 1 – Republic of Ireland 1;
Montenegro 1 – England 1.
Scotland line-up: McGregor, Hutton, Martin, Hanley, Mulgrew, McArthur, Brown, Snodgrass, Morrison, Maloney, Griffiths.
Last three matches:
Croatia 0 – Scotland 1;
Serbia 2 – Scotland 0;
Scotland 1 – Wales 2.