England takes on Scotland in the FIFA World Cup qualifier
The Three Lions have dominated this fixture in recent times. Since the turn of the century, English have won all the three fixtures & scored three times in each of those.
In fact, the Three Lions have won seven of their last eight clashes with the Auld Enemy. Although they have lost one of their last 10 encounters – in a run which stretches back to 1985.
In the home fixture in this qualifying campaign for England, they won 3-0 against Scotland. Sturridge, Lallana & Cahill all were on the scoresheet.
Team and Tactics :-
England
The English are in a comfortable position to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia. They are four points above Slovakia, who are second in the table. Their have been managerial upheaval for the Three Lions in this qualifying campaign.
Gareth Southgate have done quite well so far as a manager of the Three Lions. Now, the only away matches that remain for the English are to Malta & Lithuania.
England have been playing well recently since their Euro 2016 exit. The only setback being a loss to Germany, in Podolski’s farewell match.
The Three Lions have won just one of their last four away qualifiers, but they have not been beaten since a 1-0 defeat against Ukraine in October 2009.
The English after playing the Scots, next have a game against France in Paris.
While Kane should lead the team, their’s a battle for the right back spot between Trippier & Walker.
Cahill & Stones should be the centre back partnership. Although Ben Gibson could also make his debut if selected.
Possible line-up : Hart, Walker, Cahill, Stones, Bertrand, Lallana, Dier, Alli, Lingard, Kane, Sterling.
Scotland
This game could be a make or break for manager Gordan Strachan. Their are speculations that David Moyes is being lined up as the next Scotland boss, should Strachan taste defeat against the English.
Scotland doesn’t look likely to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia. Although their have been a few positive moments, like a 1-0 win against Slovenia.
The Scots are unbeaten in their last five matches on home soil. Although Germany are the only visiting team to have beaten them at home since November 2014.
The Tartan army will have to be at their best to have any chances against the Three Lions.
Scotland will hopefully give their three uncapped players in Jack Hamilton, Mark Reynolds & Ryan Fraser a chance against the English.
James Forrest & Robert Snodgrass should be in the squad as well. Kieran Tierney will play wearing a special gumshield after picking a facial injury in Celtic’s Scottish Cup final win over Aberdeen.
Possible line-up : Gordan, Tierney, Martin, Mulgrew, Robertson, McArthur, Brown, Forrest, Armstrong, Snodgrass, Griffiths.
Prediction
England should come out 1-0 winners. They have been low scoring but should be able to win.
