England turned up in their first game of the Euro 2020 campaign beating Croatia 1-0 thanks to a Raheem Sterling strike.
Scotland, on the other hand, lost 2-0 at home to the Czech Republic, despite dominating the match and now face a must-win game against their fierce rivals.
The two Group D sides will face each other on Friday night, in their second match of the tournament. The last time England and Scotland faced each other was in 2017 when the match ended 2-2.
Let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for in the game between England and Scotland.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane had a quiet game against Croatia by his lofty standards as he did not have a lot of space to operate in. The English captain, though, could have more opportunities to add to his 34 England goals. Scotland have an inferior defence to Croatia and England could play an attacking game against their arch-rivals, which could offer Kane more chances.
Kane could have more attacking players playing around him against Scotland and the English could play high up the pitch as well.
Andrew Robertson
Scotland captain Andrew Robertson was his side’s best player by far, bombing past defenders on the left side. The Liverpool full-back had a lot of freedom in his wing-back role and put in several crosses into the box. English right-back Kyle Walker had an average game against Croatia and made a few errors; Robertson could capitalise on any more errors that the Manchester City player could make.
He will once again be the Scots’ key player going forward, while he will also be tasked with keeping the English winger – which could be Phil Foden – quiet.
Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips started as part of the midfield three for England against Croatia, alongside Declan Rice and Mason Mount. Phillips was arguably England’s best player against Croatia and set up the lone goal of the match.
Phillips will have more freedom to bomb forward against Scotland and he could be expected to make key tackles in what could be a feisty battle against Scotland.
Che Adams
Che Adams had a big impact on the Scotland team after he was brought on at half-time. The Southampton forward could get a start alongside Lyndon Dykes upfront as Steve Clarke simply has to go for a win.
Adams’ speed and dribbling could be a key to unlock the England defence, who could play a high line against Scotland. Dykes’ superb aerial ability could be used to get flick-ons and allow Adams to run in behind the English defence which is missing Harry Maguire.
Jack Grealish
England manager Gareth Southgate could play a more attacking lineup against Scotland, which could see the addition of Jack Grealish to the starting XI.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder looked good in the friendlies before Euro 2020, playing as the No. 10. If Southgate decides to play a two-man midfield with a No. 10, Grealish could be a good fit, using his dribbling and creativity to cause more trouble to the Scottish defence.
