• Harry Kane and Scott Brown in contention
• Wayne Rooney will retain captaincy
• Key midfield battle – Henderson v Fletcher
• 3^rd meeting between two nations in world cup qualifier
• Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw out due to injuries

England Team News

There are no major fitness concerns in England’s camp, this was confirmed by England Head Coach Southgate. He maintain that Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney will return to the squad as captain. The only absentees due to injury are United’s defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw. However, Tottenham striker Harry Kane could make a comeback in the starting eleven after he came through unscathed against Arsenal.

Scotland Team News

For the visitors, only major concern is Steven Flether (knee) but the rest of the squad is fit. Celtic midfielder Brown is likely to come back from a dead leg he suffered on Saturday.

The Three Lions are doing quite well defensively, in their previous 3 games they haven’t conceded any goals so far. They are also unbeaten in 32 international world cup and Euros qualifiers, winning 24 and drawing the rest. On the other hand Scotland have won only two out of 8 in qualification matches, against the likes of Gibraltar and Malta.

Prediction

Looking at all the stats and the fact England is playing at home, it is difficult to imagine Scotland will take anything from the game except experience of playing 90 minutes against a tough opposition.

Predicted scoreline – England Wins by 2-0.

Group Table

#             Team                     Pl            GD          Pts

1              England                                3              3              7

2              Lithuania              3              2              5

3              Slovenia               3              1              5

4              Scotland               3              1              4

5              Slovakia                3              1              3

6              Malta                    3              -8            0