There aren’t many international football fixtures as iconic as England vs Scotland, certainly not to those of us in the UK anyway, and such a game helps to put to bed any confusion as to whether modern players have any passion. In front of 80,000 on Friday evening, we predict you can expect to see lots of it.
Passion and pride in the badge is one thing, winning the match is another thing entirely, and ultimately this World Cup 2018 qualifier is a battle for three points rather than national pride (although that helps too).
From Gazza’s volley to the Scots beating England’s World Cup winners, this fixture has had a habit of throwing up plenty of surprises and exhilarating moments over the years; as punters, we’d like those to be kept to a minimum!
The bookmakers have the Three Lions installed as 1/3 favourites, but do they justify the tag?
Match Betting
Realistically, all of the signs point towards an England victory. They have achieved what has been expected of them so far in their qualification campaign, and even if the nature of their dull victories over Malta and Slovakia is up for debate there can be no doubt that Gareth Southgate’s side know how to get a job done.
The Scots continue to dumbfound, and while a 5-1 win over Malta was respectable enough a heavy defeat to Slovenia and a 1-1 draw with Lithuania at Hampden Park are less so. Gordon Strachan is selecting his squad from players who are largely struggling at club level – barring Oliver Burke, whose Leipzig side are flying in the Bundesliga – and that lack of form and confidence is clearly in evidence.
A quick look at the head-to-head record also suggests a Three Lions triumph. They have won seven of their last eight encounters with Scotland, with a sole defeat coming at Wembley in 1999.
The last time they met at Wembley in 2013 England prevailed by three goals to two, but you might just remember Scotland twice going ahead in the game. Clearly, the Scots raise their game when playing the ‘Auld Enemy’, and that should be a factor in the minds of punters this week.
The Scots also lost by a solitary goal – twice – against world champions Germany in Euro 2016 qualifying, and with England being less than prolific (three goals scored in three starts) a wager on Scotland with a +1.25 Asian handicap at 21/20 with bet365 looks a smart investment.
Other Bets
England may not have conceded a goal in qualifying so far, but let’s not beat about the bush: a central defensive partnership of Gary Cahill and John Stones is a car crash waiting to happen. That alone is enough to convince us that Both Teams to Score at 11/8 is a more than viable option.
But England should find the net twice, at least, with Harry Kane returning from injury and Marcus Rashford – surely, Gareth, surely – starting just out on the left hand side. His pace will terrify the Scots backline, and Over 2.5 Goals, which has landed in the last two England vs Scotland clashes, is a decent option at Evens with Betfair.
Generally correct score betting is considered something of a connoisseur’s choice; the variance just too high to get involved. But, on the odd rare occasion, a match will offer up a choice selection and this particular fixture looks well primed for a 2-1 England win at 17/2 with Betfair.
Recommended Bets
Scotland +1.25 Asian Handicap at 21/20 with bet365
Both Teams to Score at 11/8 with Betfred
Over 2.5 Goals at Evens with Betfair
England 2-1 at 17/2 with Betfair
