'I don’t think that we will get beat whatsoever': Scotland legend dismisses England's chances for 150th anniversary game

Scotland pair Scott McTominay and John McGinn celebrate against Cyprus as Harry Kane of England is disappointed at not finding the net against Ukraine
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Scotland welcome England to Hampden Park on Tuesday night for a 150th anniversary match to mark the first meeting between the two sides in 1872.

While billed as a friendly in name, the match certainly isn't expected to be a friendly in nature. Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan suggests the quality on display will be at a high level due to the performances both sides have proven they're capable of in recent months. 

He does, however, believe that there is no chance England will head back down south with the bragging rights, suggesting the Three Lions won't be able to cope with the energy and enthusiasm of their Auld Enemy.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is seen during a training session ahead of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier against Slovakia at Hampden Park on October 2, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Strachan managed Scotland between 2013 and 2017 (Image credit: Getty Images)

"This is going to be a fiery game," Strachan told Gambling Zone. "We’ve got two teams playing each other that have both done incredibly well in recent times. Two team that are powerful, they’ll be some great players on the pitch and both of the sides are very comfortable with their shape and tactics.

"Both teams are in a good place, Scotland in particular. Scotland have got players that are playing at the top of their game at the moment, playing at the very top level.

"I don’t think Scotland will get beat. I don’t think that we will get beat whatsoever." 

Strachan's confidence rightly stems from Scotland's incredible Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which has seen them win all five of their games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just once.

VIDEO: Why Gareth Southgate's England don't look very good at the moment

Topping Group A, which contains Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus, Scotland need just one more win to guarantee their place in Germany next year. Strachan points to the work manager Steve Clarke has produced in his four years in charge as reason for Scotland's success, highlighting the tactical set-up in particular. 

"Steve Clarke has been very clever with what he’s done, Strachan said. "He’s found a system that enables him to play all of his best players and has picked a shape that suits them. That enables Andy Robertson to do what he does best in terms of providing width and quality in the wide areas, with Kieran Tierney – who is such a good football player – to play as a left-sided centre back. He’s getting all his best players into the team.

"When I look at the overall balance and the way the team is set-up, it’s fantastic. Callum McGregor and Billy Gilmour give players like John McGinn and Scott McTominay the freedom to go forward and Robertson and Aaron Hickey provide the width. 

"The good thing about this team is that they are all starting to mature at the same time – this isn’t a team of youngsters – this is a team of players who are mainly between the age of twenty-five and thirty and coming into their prime. They know the game. They have the energy and vibrancy."

Harry Kane of England and Andy Robertson of Scotland pose for a photo wearing unique warm-up shirts ahead of the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between England and Scotland at Hampden Park, at McCrea West of Scotland Cricket Club on September 10, 2023 in Milngavie, Scotland.

Both England and Scotland will wear unique warm-up shirts  (Image credit: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

More Scotland vs England stories 

Watch the friendly between Scotland and England online and on television for free. 

Are you able to name every scorer in Scotland vs England games since their Euro 96 encounter at Wembley? 

The incredible England anniversary warmup shirt will be available to buy via auction

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 

Read more
Andy Robertson celebrates with John McGinn after scoring Scotland's winning goal in stoppage time against Poland in the Nations League in Warsaw, November 2024
Three things to keep an eye on as Scotland look to avoid Nations League relegation in Greece play-off
STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 12: England manager Bobby Robson looks on before the 1988 European Championships match between England and Republic of Ireland at Neckarstadion on June 12, 1988 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
Ranked! EVERY England manager ranked from worst to best
Scotland v Czech Republic line-ups
Why Scotland's defeat to Greece has helped England
England manager Thomas Tuchel speaks at a press conference, March 2025
What to look out for as Thomas Tuchel's England tenure gets underway with Albania clash
England players celebrate after Myles Lewis-Skelly scored the opening goal in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Albania at Wembley Stadium, London, March 2025
Stats and facts to set the scene as England face Latvia in World Cup qualifying
Scotland defender Alan Hansen pictured in 1979
The best Scottish defenders ever
Latest in Stories
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Latest in News
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report