England claimed the bragging rights at Hampden Park with a 3-1 win against rivals Scotland thanks to goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Despite it being just a friendly, there were plenty of talking points. Here are five things we learned from the game…
Poacher Foden
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a fairly uneventful opening half hour at Hampden Park. England were dominating possession but much like the game against Ukraine, Gareth Southgate’s side were lacking potency up front. That was until Kyle Walker drilled a shot across the box and his Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden was ready on the spot to tap home from close range. England’s opener certainly dampened a lively Hampden Park atmosphere. Southgate has been reluctant to pick Foden for England in recent games but perhaps now he has given his boss something to think about.
Brilliant Bellingham
Embed from Getty ImagesJude Bellingham just cannot stay out of the headlines. England grabbed two goals in a flash with the midfielder playing a key role in setting up the first before scoring the second. He teed up Foden who whipped a beautiful ball into Harry Kane and while the ball couldn’t stick with the number nine, Andy Robertson failed to clear his lines and Bellingham showed an instinctive reaction to stroke the ball beyond Angus Gunn. He was mesmerising again to set up Harry Kane’s goal too for England’s third, showing superb ball retention to fight off the pressure and play in the striker to finish. A wonderful display from Bellingham, who looks like one of the best midfield players in the world right now.
Question marks over Maguire
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was all going rather well for England at half-time, when Southgate decided to take off Marc Guehi for Harry Maguire, who did not cover himself in glory when England went behind against Ukraine. Every time Maguire received the ball at Hampden Park he was met with ironic jeers from the home crowd. As unsettling as that was, he was completing his passes and seemed unfazed. Until the 68th minute, when Robertson put a ball into the box and Harry Maguire stuck out a leg to prod the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale and into his own net. A needless substitution resulted in Scotland ramping up the pressure on England and making their task more difficult.
Encouraging performance from England
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland came through the hostile atmosphere and delivered a fine display to beat Scotland. After a fairly drab effort against Ukraine, England responded by playing with pace, precision and quality. Comfortable in possession, England were able to create more opportunities through the likes of Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Foden, who found plenty of time and space on the ball. Kyle Walker had another solid display and if Southgate finds his best combination before the summer, they will be tough to beat. England looked unstoppable at times and the options they have in attacking areas are frightening.
Lewis Dunk’s imperious display
Embed from Getty ImagesLewis Dunk collected his second cap for England in their win against Scotland and the Brighton defender was outstanding. He showed confidence on the ball and a willingness to progress the ball forward. He did not let the occasion get to him, winning most of his aerial duels. After a display like that, he could be on Southgate’s radar for a place in the squad for the Euros. It has been a long time coming for Dunk, who has been so consistent for Brighton, and if he keeps his form up, there will be plenty of clammer for him to be on the plane for Germany.
