The Auld Enemy

In the world of football, few rivalries are as intense and storied as the one between England and Scotland, affectionately known as the “Auld Enemy” clash. This rivalry, steeped in history, passion, and national pride, has produced some of the most memorable and iconic games in football history. In this blog, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the greatest matches between these two fierce rivals.

1967: Scotland’s Glorious Wembley Triumph

On April 15, 1967, Scotland achieved a historic victory at Wembley Stadium that still resonates in the hearts of Scottish fans. Just like the “Wembley Wizards” of 1928, Scotland defeated England on home turf once again. This time the victory was particularly sweet as England, the reigning World Cup champions, were widely expected to win. However, a Jim Baxter’s midfield masterclass and goals from Denis Law’s, Bobby Lennox and Jim McCalliog secured a famous Scotland’s win that led to a pitch invasion by the Tartan Army and half the pitch heading back to Scotland as a souvenir.

1977: McQueen and King Kenny

Ten years after their Wembley victory, Scotland returned to the famous old stadium for another memorable encounter. On the 4th June 1977, the teams met in front of a 98,103 supporters in a decisive British Home Championship clash. Goals from defender Gordon McQueen and Kenny Dalglish sparked another pitch invasion as the Scots became the pride of Britain after beating the Auld Enemy 2-1.

Euro 96: Gazza’s Magic Moment

The 1996 UEFA European Championship held in England saw one of the most iconic moments in Auld Enemy history. Glasgow Rangers talisman Paul Gascoigne, affectionately known as “Gazza,” scored a stunning goal for England against Scotland in the group stage. His goal, a sublime chip over Scotland defender Colin Hendry before smashing it past his onrushing Gers teammate Andy Goram in goal. Despite eventual elimination in the semi-finals, the memory of Gazza’s brilliance will remain etched in football folklore when Football almost came home.

EURO Play Off 1999: Scholes at the double

The year 1999 witnessed another epic Auld Enemy encounter, this time in a two legged play off to reach the 2000 European Championships. The first leg took place on Scottish soil at Hampden Park where Manchester United’s Paul Scholes midfield dynamo scored a brace to secure a 2-0 win for the Three Lions. In the return leg at Wembley, Don Hutchison’s header was enough to secure victory for Scotland on the night, but England advanced to the tournament with an aggregate advantage. The atmosphere at Hampden Park and Wembley during both legs showcased the fierce passion of both the English and Scottish fans.

World Cup Qualifier: The Leigh Late Show

In more recent times, the Auld Enemy rivalry added another chapter to it’s history during the 2018 World Cup qualifying group stages. Despite England being the favourites, Scotland shocked their southern neighbours when two late free kicks from Glasgow Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths turned the game on it’s head and put the Tartan Army into hysteria as they led 2-1 with just seconds remaining on the referees watch. Step forward England captain Harry Kane who made it 2-2 draw in injury time to send the Scotland fans home devasted at what could have been a famous victory. This game epitomised the intense battles on the pitch and showcases the enduring competitiveness of this historic rivalry.

In summary

The Auld Enemy rivalry between England and Scotland has produced some unforgettable moments, heart-stopping drama, and legendary players throughout football history. While the rivalry may have mellowed in some aspects over the years, the passion and pride associated with these encounters continue to captivate football fans North and South of the border. Whether it’s the “Wembley Wizards,” Gazza’s magic, or more recent clashes, these games have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game and serve as a testament to the power of sport to unite and divide in equal measure.

Which is your favourite England and Scotland encounter and why?