Prediction: Scotland vs England

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With all eyes falling on Hampden in midweek, England will travel to Scotland when they meet their British rivals for a friendly showdown.

Scotland

Starting with the hosts, marking their return to European Championship qualifying duties with another rampant display over the weekend, Scotland are in the midst of what has become a stunning purple patch. Eventually breezing their way to a 3-0 romp away at Cyprus, the Tartan Army have only continued to gain a string of praise under Steve Clarke. Now within touching distance of booking their ticket to Germany for next year, the one-time Kilmarnock boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Remarkably winning each of their five qualifying appearances, the Scots have also picked up some heavyweight scalps. With their history-making flurry underlined by a famous 2-0 victory against European heavyweights Spain back on March 25th, Clarke’s side have also shipped just a single strike on their five-match winning run. Despite being tipped as an underdog contender here when they return to Hampden, some in Scotland’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring another stellar upset.

Team News

Once again finding the net out in Cyprus over the weekend and notching a remarkable six qualifying strikes this year, Manchester United midfield Scott McTominay could have another key role to play here.

Making the loan switch to Spanish outfit Real Sociedad this summer, ex-Celtic star will once again start at the heart of Clarke’s defence. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson will lead the Tartan Army out here as the 29-year-old looks set to earn his 66th international cap.

England

As for the visitors, while England might also be cruising their way to next year’s European Championship, the Three Lions were last seen putting in a flat display over the weekend. Eventually having to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ukraine out in Poland, Gareth Southgate’s squad will be seeking an immediate response here. However, coming under plenty of scrutiny out in Qatar over the winter as they could only muster a quarter-final finish, the Whites should be bracing themselves for a tough challenge on Tuesday night. Only claiming an uninspiring 0-0 stalemate when they welcomed their British rivals to Wembley at the European Championships back in June 2021, England have now played out in a draw in each of their previous two meetings. With it once again appearing that there is growing speculation surrounding Southgate’s long-term future at the helm, the Three Lions will certainly have plenty of eyes on them in midweek.

Team News

Called up to England’s senior squad for a first time this month, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah will be hoping to make a full debut here. However, hitting the ground running since making the move to German giants Bayern Munich this summer, ex-Tottenham record-breaker Harry Kane should spearhead the Three Lions’ charge.

Both controversially included in Southgate’s squad this month, Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips could replace Jordan Henderson at the heart of England’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met at the European Championships back in June 2021, Scotland and England played out a 0-0 stalemate at Wembley.
• The last two competitive meetings between Tuesday’s opponents have finished in a draw.
• The Tartan Army have remarkably won each of their five European Championship qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 12-1.
• Despite settling for a 1-1 draw against Ukraine over the weekend, that is the only goal that England have shipped in their previous four appearances.
• Each of Scotland’s last six appearances at Hampden have finished with under 3.5 goals.

Conclusion

While England might open Tuesday’s showdown at Hampden tipped as a standout contender to claim British bragging rights, Southgate’s squad should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge here. Watching Scotland only continue on a history-making qualifying romp, the Tartan Army have also gained a reputation for their rugged performances at the back. With their five-match winning run highlighted by a famous 2-0 win against European icons Spain back in March, Clarke’s men have shipped just a single strike from their five qualifying showdowns. With the two rivals playing out a 0-0 stalemate when they last met at the European Championships back in June 2021, England could be set for another frustrating night on the road.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet