England outclassed Scotland at Hampden Park this evening to demonstrate the gulf in class between the two nations.
The friendly match started with good intensity as both sides passed and probed, teasing each other.
However, the first chance did not come until 25 when Jude Bellingham looped a cross from the left flank. The cross was overhit but fell for Kyle Walker, whose effort went wide.
The Manchester City right-back scored his first goal for England against Ukraine three days ago and looked dangerous.
Moments later, Scotland’s defence had to be sharp to cut out his cross for Harry Kane.
Scotland had Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney down their left side and tried to find crossing opportunities, but England shut them down.
England made the breakthrough after some good interplay in the 33rd minute. Walker crashed a shot towards goal which Phil Foden deftly diverted home.
The Three Lions doubled their lead as Jude Bellingham swept in a Foden cross that Andy Robertson put back into a dangerous area.
The first half finished without a Scotland shot on target as England dominated proceedings.
However, Scotland turned things around in the second half.
Robertson was desperate to make amends for his earlier error and broke down the right flank. Substitute Harry Maguire turned in Robertson’s low cross.
Scotland got renewed vigour through the goal and surged forward. Robertson threatened with his crosses and found Lyndon Dykes and later John McGinn, but neither could keep their shots on target.
Eberechi Eze came on and nearly made his mark with a goal, but Angus Gunn made a vital save to keep out his effort.
England wrapped up the game in the dying moments as Bellingham showed incredible balance and skill before setting up Harry Kane to finish superbly.
The 3-1 win was their 600th victory as a team and ninth over Scotland in their last 13 meetings.
Player Ratings
Scotland
Angus Gunn (6.5/10) – He could do nothing about the goals but made a superb stop against Eberechi Eze to keep his side in it.
Aaron Hickey (5/10) – Stayed back on the right side to deal with the threat of Marcus Rashford and struggled to keep up with the Manchester United man.
Andy Robertson (6/10) – The Scotland captain was at fault for England’s second but atoned for it later and was back to his usual best.
Scott McTominay (5/10) – Spent most of the game chasing the ball and closing down the opposition. The game went by him in the centre.
Kieran Tierney (6/10) – Tried to force his way down the left flank but found a resolute Walker in his way. Had a handful with Foden and Walker on him.
John McGinn (7.5/10) – Worked hard as usual. Constantly probing to make something happen today.
Callum McGregor (6/10) – He helped work some good combinations down the left flank, but it was ultimately fruitless.
Che Adams (5/10) – He showed good holdup play to help his side out of danger, but it was too much for him to do with little to no support.
Jack Hendry (5/10) – He struggled to deal with Kane all game. The Al Ettifaq centre-back was up against one of the best in the world, and the Bayern Munich man got the better of him.
Billy Gilmour (5.5/10) – The young Scottish midfielder struggled in the middle as a dominant England side took control of the game and never let go.
Ryan Porteous (5.5/10) – Looked calm and composed in the buildup but had a problem dealing with Rashford’s nonstop runs.
Substitutes
Lyndon Dykes (5/10)
Ryan Christie (N/A)
Stuart Armstrong (5/10)
Lewis Ferguson (N/A)
Ryan Jack (N/A)
Nathan Patterson (N/A)
England
Aaron Ramsdale (6.5/10) – Commanded his area well and could do nothing as his defender turned the ball into their net.
Kyle Walker (8/10) – Fresh from netting his first goal for England, he looked bright and rejuvenated. Foden couldn’t help but turn in his vicious shot/cross for the opener.
Lewis Dunk (7/10) – Characteristically excellent on the ball and had little to deal with defensively.
Marc Guehi (7/10) – Had a quietly solid game, with Scotland failing to pose an attacking threat. His distribution was good.
Kieran Trippier (7/10) – Playing in an unusual left-back role, he stayed back and didn’t get forward as much as Walker. Played well.
Declan Rice (7.5/10) – Shielded his defence and controlled the game for the most part. Aided his side a lot in the buildup phase.
Kalvin Phillips (6/10) – The Manchester City destroyer looked rusty and struggled to influence the game.
Jude Bellingham (POTM) (8.5/10) – The former Birmingham City star brought his electric club form to Hampden Park today. He connected the midfield and defence and took his goal well.
Marcus Rashford (6.5/10) – He constantly made the Scotland defence aware of his presence. Ran at their backline and stretched them when he could.
Harry Kane (7/10) – He took his goal well and helped his side when they needed him. Not his best showing, but got the job done and a goal too.
Phil Foden (8/10) – The Manchester City attacker looked like he could make something happen each time he had the ball, centrally or out wide.
Substitutes
Harry Maguire (4/10)
Bukayo Saka (N/A)
Eberechi Eze (6.5/10)
Conor Gallagher (N/A)
Callum Wilson (N/A)
