ENGLAND BLOW SCOTLAND AWAY

ENGLAND 3 SCOTLAND 0

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM

The only time England and Scotland were united for this game was during the laying of a wreath and a minutes silence for the departed on Armistice Day.  Other than that, England who have struggled in major tournaments over the years firmly put Scotland in their place thanks to goals from a striker, midfielder and a defender.  All three were from headers. This result would enhance Gareth Southgate’s chances of being appointed as England’s full time manager.

Just after the midway point of the half, Kyle Walker crossed the ball into the box and the oncoming Daniel Sturridge headed the ball past Craig Gordon to give England the lead. Two minutes later Scotland should have drawn level.  From a corner Grant Hanley had a free header, which he could not keep down and it flew over the bar. England led 1-0 at the break.

After the break the Scots enjoyed some possession briefly and should have drawn level. James Forrest had a chance but shot wide. Moments later Scotland were to rue that miss as England doubled their lead. Danny Rose played a reverse cross into the Scotland area and Adam Lallana headed the ball home. The interim England Manager Southgate punched the air as England now had some breathing space and were comfortable.

On the hour mark England put the game beyond Scotland as Wayne Rooney’s corner was met with a header by Gary Cahill.  Scotland had been undone by three crosses. Ten minutes it could and should have been four as England made some neat interchange of passes which started with Sturridge and culminated in a cross from Jordan Henderson, which Raheem Sterling missed from just inches out. Only he could explain how he missed an absolute sitter.

Three precious points for England in this World Cup qualifier would further strengthen England’s grip on this qualifying group. For Scotland though they have a lot to ponder. Gordon Strachan who has often been tetchy when questioned by the Scottish media would be embarrassed by this performance but whom can they replace him with? They do not actually have decent managers unlike back in the day. But even then they failed to qualify for the second round of any major tournament then.  The problem now is that Scotland are not even good enough to qualify for any major tournament and have not done so since France 98.

While all the home nations and the Republic of Ireland qualified for the last European Championships Scotland stayed at home.  That trend may yet continue, as there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  Back to England though whether they have had world-class managers or novice managers it has not made a difference since 1966.  Scotland were no match for them however Spain may yet provide them with a stern test on Tuesday when they visit Wembley. However even a victory might not do much for England.  The last time the Spanish came calling they lost to England but we all know how Euro 2012 ended with the Spanish victorious while England toiled again and went out at the quarter-finals.

As for Southgate though he can only reflect on this emphatic victory but the challenge will be what can he do different that his predecessors were not able to do to take this England side to the next level?