Scotland challenged the English, taking an early 2-1 lead. But a couple of subs later and England had the pieces to finish off a 3-2 comeback victory. By Sam Barclay.
Scotland fought hard
Sam Barclay-
England: 3, Scotland: 2
Walcott (29) Morrison (11)
Welbeck (53) Miller (49)
Lambert (70)
It was a feisty, rip-roaring affair at Wembley Stadium tonight as the ‘not-so-friendly’ clash between England and Scotland didn’t disappoint. The Scots were the quickest out the blocks, as England failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to James Morrison on the edge of the area, whose shot left an unsighted Joe Hart to palm it into the net. England fought back however, with Tom Cleverley’s superbly weighted first time pass cutting through the Scotland backline to the pacey Theo Walcott, who showed good composure to cut back onto his left foot before drilling his shot in low at Allan McGregor’s near post. The remainder of the first half was played at a high tempo, which is rare for pre-season international friendlies, as both sides knew the importance of the ‘local derby’.
After the break, Scotland was again the brighter side, and re-took the lead thanks to Kenny Miller. The Vancouver Whitecaps striker controlled the ball on the edge of the area before swivelling past Gary Cahill and firing into to the bottom left hand corner. The English centre back should have been tighter to the busy forward and he was caught out by Millers dummy, which gave the Scot all the opportunity he needed to restore Scotland’s lead. However the lead didn’t last long, as soon after Steven Gerrard floated in an inch perfect free kick to the head of Danny Welbeck, who nodded in England’s second equaliser. From here England began to take control. Roy Hodgson’s side would go on to win the match courtesy of debutant Ricky Lambert’s bullet header, as the big forward lost his marker on a corner kick. It was Lambert’s first touch in International football, just two minutes after he entered onto the pitch. After playing most of his career in lower league football, the goal finished quite the fairy-tale story for the former beetroot factory worker. As the game entered its final stages, numerous substitutions took the edge out of the previously high tempo, and England cruised to a victory over their fiercest neighbours.
Joe Hart – 5
Hart didn’t have too much to do, but when he was called upon he looked average. He wasn’t helped by the wet and slippery surface, as the rain remained constant throughout the match. The weather certainly played a major factor in Morrison’s goal, as the ball squirmed under Hart’s grasp and into the roof of the net. However, there was nothing he could do about Scotland’s second goal and his overall kicking and saving was solid enough throughout.
Kyle Walker – 6
As with the rest of the English defence, it was a mixed bag from Walker. He showed good energy all night and got forward as much as he could to provide width, looking comfortable on the ball in the process. He was accomplished enough in his defending although he will have much tougher nights in future matches. (Booked)
Gary Cahill – 5
It was not the best night for Cahill, as he was harassed by the waspish Kenny Miller throughout. He was caught out of position a few times and was at fault for Scotland’s second goal. He didn’t get tight enough to Miller, who was allowed to turn before firing into the bottom corner of the net. Cahill did make some headed clearances and kept it simple with the ball at his feet.
Phil Jagielka – 5
Jagielka, like Cahill, struggled to contain Miller and looked shaky for a majority of the game. There seemed to be a lack of communication between Jagielka and Cahill, which is a worry as the crucial qualifiers are next up for England. Jagielka has always been good in the air and in the tackle but there is much room for improvement ahead of next month. (Substituted 83 mins)
Leighton Baines – 8
It was a good night’s work from the Evertonian as he again showed why he is one of the best attacking left backs in the world. He had his usual energy and stamina in abundance, which can only develop further as the Premier League gets into full swing. Baines forays down the left meant the young Jamie Forrest had to provide more defensive work than attacking, and he struggled to cope, as Baines was often left in acres of space.
Steven Gerrard – 7
Captain fantastic Gerrard had a quiet but accomplished night in the heart of the midfield. Calmness personified on the ball, he kept it simple at times when England looked panicky. Gerrard also tracked back well, making some good tackles. His passing was superb all night, and it culminated in an assist for England’s second goal. Gerrard still looks in great shape for the new season and he will play a pivotal role in the remaining qualifiers. (Substituted 61 mins)
Tom Cleverley – 7
Cleverley is certainly beginning to fit in to the England set up with another proficient display that yielded an assist for Theo Walcott’s goal. He showed great awareness and passing ability to play his first time pass through to Walcott in full flow. He may need to improve on the defensive side, as Robert Snodgrass and Shaun Maloney had spells on the ball from which they looked threatening. (Substituted 66 mins)
Jack Wilshere – 6
It’s always a good sight to see Wilshere in an England shirt, and he gained vital minutes ahead of the qualifiers. He was decent in possession and confident when dribbling with the ball. Maybe he should have had more game time, but with his recent injury record it was in Arsenal’s best interests to see him replaced at the interval. (Substituted 45 mins)
Theo Walcott – 8
This was a really good performance from Walcott, as he scored England’s first goal and caused Steven Whittaker problems all night. He used his electrifying pace to get behind Scotland’s back four and helped to break down their resistance, as England toiled slightly after conceding early on. Walcott still needs to work on his crossing, as at times it was sloppy. Overall it was a very encouraging game from the Arsenal winger. (Booked) (Substituted 74 mins)
Wayne Rooney – 6
Rooney was slightly off the pace and looked a little rusty, which is expected after only 45 minutes of pre-season action. He didn’t do much wrong and still looked a threat with his undoubted quality, dropping deep to pick up the ball before looking to drive at the Scotland rear-guard. There were a few misplaced passes and touches, but Rooney will need his club situation sorted as soon as possible as match fitness is a massive issue right now. (Substituted 66 mins)
Danny Welbeck – 9 (Man of the Match)
It was an energetic and classy display from the Manchester United forward, who was a menace to Scotland for the game’s entirety. Welbeck was good in possession and looked like England’s biggest threat going forward. He took his goal well, whilst unfortunate not to add to his tally with a few decent efforts at goal. Overall Welbeck was much improved, and looks to have cemented his place ahead of the qualifiers next month.
Subs
Frank Lampard – 6
Another quiet performer, but Lampard still showed moments of quality in his 45 minute cameo. He had a typical 25 yarder tipped over by McGregor whilst again showing neat touches and control in the middle of the park. (Booked) (45 minutes)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5
Not much to note on the Ox, as he wasn’t involved too much after entering the field of play. He looked to get forward and attack at Scotland when in possession, but he will need longer than his 30 minutes to get up to speed. (61 minutes)
James Milner – 5
Milner was neat and industrious during his brief spell on the pitch. Rarely does he do anything extraordinary and his simple play helped set up a few England attacks. (66 minutes)
Ricky Lambert- 7 (66 mins)
Lambert was the story of the night. With his first touch in International football he guided his header into the bottom corner to give England the victory. Lambert was good on the ball, but didn’t receive it too often. He also hit the post late on, but it was an encouraging debut for the 31 year old. (66 minutes)
Wilfried Zaha – 6 (74 mins)
It was a bright, sparky display from Zaha, who continued to cause Steven Whittaker problems, as Walcott did before him. He is still a raw talent, but he tried to run at the full back and get to the byline, which is encouraging. He had a few wayward crosses, but his decision making and accuracy will come with game time. (74 minutes)
Phil Jones – (83 mins)
Not enough time to show what he could do with just 7 minutes playing time. Although with Englands defensive display tonight he may well be given a start next time out. (83 minutes)
Final Thoughts:
It was a stern test against ‘the auld enemy’, and England will have to tighten up defensively ahead of their vital qualifiers next month. The two goals they gave away were sloppy, with Joe Hart and Gary Cahill the main culprits. It could have been much worse had the opposition been of better attacking quality. That said, Welbeck and Baines played very well, causing problems for the Scottish defence all night, as England twice fought back from going behind. That team spirit will also be pivotal come next month’s qualifiers, as the three lions have much work to do if they are to qualify for Brazil outright. The team itself is capable, and they looked well balanced tonight with Welbeck drifting in from the left and Walcott attacking the full backs throughout. Gerrard, Wilshere and Cleverley are all technically gifted, and creating chances won’t be hard with the pacey frontline to run in behind the back line. But the defensive side of the midfield will need some work, as Robert Snodgrass and Shaun Maloney drifted between them at times. No doubt that against a better team England will be punished if such space and lack of concentration is evident. It was a good workout for the squad and once the Premier League is in full flow the players will gain more match fitness and sharpness, so that when the qualifiers come around England should be ready to hit the ground running.
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