Guernsey Press

Jude Bellingham caps impressive show with a goal as England see off Scotland

Phil Foden and Harry Kane were also on target in an historic clash at Hampden.

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Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane fired England to a 3-1 victory against Scotland as Steve Clarke’s side were given the runaround by the Auld Enemy at Hampden Park.

The 116th edition of the world’s oldest international fixture came with both sides in the enviable position of knowing it was a case of when rather than if they qualified for Euro 2024.

Scotland have won all five of their group games and headed into Tuesday’s so-called friendly dreaming of a memorable victory against England and a Georgia draw with Norway.

This match commemorated the nations’ first meeting 150 years ago and ended with England racking up their 49th win in this fixture thanks to a confident display.

Scotland have had an impressive recent record on home soil, but Southgate’s side got back to winning ways after Saturday’s drab qualification draw against Ukraine.

The half-time scoreline did not flatter England, although Harry Maguire was teased mercilessly by the Scotland fans following his introduction and turned a Robertson cross into his own goal to lift the roof.

But home hopes of a comeback were short-lived as the visitors went up a few gears as brilliant Bellingham set up skipper Kane to wrap up a comfortable friendly win.

Hampden Park was a den of noise, with guttural boos greeting ‘God Save the King’ before a special, spine-tingling rendition of ‘Flower of Scotland’.

Scotland v England – International Friendly – Hampden Park
Hampden was a den of noise before kick-off but a minute’s silence for Craig Brown was cut short by England chants (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Southgate made six changes for this friendly and his team dominated the early possession without creating chances against a Scotland side lacking quality to go with their effort.

Foden slammed over the first noteworthy chance from a Marcus Rashford cutback and Bellingham penalty appeals for a hefty Ryan Porteous challenge were ignored due to offside in the build-up.

Kyle Walker – fresh from his first international goal – struck across the face of goal and an exceptional team move may have ended with a Kane opener but for Jack Hendry’s intervention.

Scotland v England – International Friendly – Hampden Park
Phil Foden, left, opened the scoring (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Three minutes later and England were gifted another. Bellingham backheeled to Foden on the left and ran into the box, where Robertson passed straight into the Real Madrid man’s path for him to lash home after the initial cross had been stopped.

Scotland penalty appeals for a handball against Marc Guehi were ignored and tempers began to fray before the break, with England nearly grabbing a third as Foden’s cross threatened.

Scotland v England – International Friendly – Hampden Park
England’s Jude Bellingham, centre, celebrates his goal (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The England fans responded by throwing their support behind him and Scotland continued to toil, with Billy Gilmour and Ryan Christie having efforts before Lewis Dunk – so impressive on his second international appearance – blocked an Aaron Hickey attempt.

But the Scotland pressure was building and the stadium erupted in the 67th minute, when red-faced Maguire turned Robertson’s cross past Aaron Ramsdale.

Scotland v England – International Friendly – Hampden Park
England substitute Harry Maguire, right, lifted the home fans with this own goal (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Bellingham followed quick footwork and a driving run with a strike that goalkeeper Gunn denied in the 75th minute.

However, the brilliant 20-year-old would soon help England score their third, keeping his cool under pressure to turn and then thread through Kane to beat Gunn as some fans headed for the exit.

“Harry Maguire, he’s winning 3-1” was the triumphant chant from the away end.

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