England–Scotland football rivalry
The England–Scotland football rivalry, between the England and Scotland national football teams,[1][2] is the oldest international fixture in the world, first played in 1872 at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow. Scottish nationalism has been a factor in the Scots' desire to defeat England above all other rivals, with Scottish sports journalists traditionally referring to the English as the "Auld Enemy".[3]
BBC Online commented that the games "have represented all that is good and all that is bad about football since the fixture began,"[1] while The Guardian newspaper once reported that "for millions across both sides of the border the encounter represents a chance for the ultimate victory over the enemy."[4] As of 2023, the teams have played 116 matches; England have won 49, Scotland 41, and there have been 26 draws.[5]
Matches since the end of the annual series[edit]
1996 European Championship[edit]
In December 1995, despite media rumours that UEFA would deliberately keep the two apart in the draw,[28] England and Scotland were both drawn in the same group for the forthcoming European Championship, to be hosted by England in the summer of 1996. This draw excited much comment and anticipation in the build-up to the championship, especially as it would be the first meeting between the two sides for seven years, and tickets for the game sold out within two days of the draw being made.[29] The match assumed even greater significance for both teams when both England and Scotland drew their opening fixtures, against Switzerland and the Netherlands respectively, meaning both were even more in need of a win to further their chances of progressing in the tournament.
The match was played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 15 June 1996. Before the game, Scotland's national anthem, Flower of Scotland, was completely drowned out by booing from English spectators.[30] The first half was closely fought, ending 0–0, although Scotland had the better of the chances.[31] The introduction of Jamie Redknapp into the England team as a substitute for the second half helped to turn the match in England's favour,[32][33] and they took the lead through a headed goal by Alan Shearer.[32] Scotland were awarded a penalty kick in the 76th minute after a foul by Tony Adams on Gordon Durie, but Gary McAllister's kick was saved by the England goalkeeper David Seaman.[33] Shortly afterwards, Paul Gascoigne, who played in Scotland for the Glasgow club Rangers, scored a second goal for England, after chipping the ball over Scottish defender Colin Hendry.[34] In 2006, the year before he became Prime Minister, Gordon Brown drew criticism in Scotland when he was reported as saying that Gascoigne's goal was one of his favourite moments in football,[35] although Brown subsequently denied saying this.[36]
Scotland eventually went out of the championship on goals scored, but would have proceeded beyond the first round of a tournament for the first time in their history had England not conceded a late goal in their 4–1 victory over the Netherlands in their final group game. The Guardian newspaper later commented that "England fans' joy was complete when Patrick Kluivert stole a late goal for the Dutch team – and thereby deprived Scotland of a place in the quarter-finals".[37]
Supporters[edit]
The rivalry also manifests itself in the fact that many Scottish people support England's opponents[88] and vice versa,[89][90] despite the fact that England and Scotland are both countries of the United Kingdom. Whether Scots should support England against other national teams is routinely a matter of heated debate.[91][92][93] Some Scotland fans sing, "Stand up if you hate England"[94] and, "If you hate the fucking English, clap your hands",[95] while some English fans reciprocate these sentiments with, "Stand up if you hate Scotland",[96] or "Scotland get battered, everywhere they go".[97] However, the phenomenon of Scots wishing England well in international tournaments is not unknown, with a survey on the eve of the 2002 World Cup finding that one Scot in three intended to support England, while only one in six intended to support England's opponents.[98] A survey before the 2010 World Cup found a more even divide, with 24% on each side.[93] The largest group in both surveys did not offer an opinion either way.[93][98]
Scotland fans booed "God Save the King" during the 150th anniversary game on 12 September 2023.[99]