ENGLAND CRUISES TO VICTORY IN SCOTLAND

During a friendly match on Tuesday at Hampden Park, England easily defeated Scotland 3-1 with goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane.

Following five straight victories in Euro 2024 qualification, the Tartan Army was ecstatic and saw a potential to beat England at home for the first time since 1985.

But after Kyle Walker’s errant attempt was converted by Foden in the 32nd minute and a Real Madrid blunder was corrected by Bellingham three minutes later, the celebration lost its luster.

Steve Clarke’s team temporarily made things hard for England after a 67th-minute own goal by replacement Harry Maguire, but captain Kane put an end to Scotland’s ambitions with a characteristically precise finish.

Even though Scotland is still in a solid position, Norway defeated Georgia in a Group A qualifier, which made the situation worse. Scotland would have qualified for the tournament the following year with a tie.

England, which over the weekend drew 1-1 with Ukraine, also leads Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament.

The 150th anniversary of the first meeting between the two longtime rivals was commemorated by renaming the 116th installment of international soccer’s oldest fixture the Heritage Match.

The Scots did not have a good night, however, as England won for the 49th time, a triumph that could have been much more resounding had they taken advantage of all of their opportunities.

In addition to starting Foden and making six changes to the team that drew with Ukraine, England manager Gareth Southgate gave defender Lewis Dunk his first cap since 2018.

However, England’s squad’s depth was clear as they controlled the game to make Scotland face reality.

Walker had an early opportunity to score, but his shot went just wide of the far post. Bellingham was outstanding as he maintained his perfect start to the season.

Bellingham contributed to England’s first goal by threading a ball to Marcus Rashford, who set up Kyle Walker for a shot that was heading way wide but was deflected in by the watchful Foden.

Soon after, as Scotland failed to clear their lines, Bellingham blasted a shot past Angus Gunn after Robertson had passed the ball directly to him.

In the second half, Maguire was given a chance to play, but the Manchester United player unintentionally gave Scotland a chance by clumsily pushing in Robertson’s low cross.

Scotland now appeared dangerous, but it was only a momentary storm, as Gunn stopped the smooth Bellingham from scoring a spectacular solo goal.

Bellingham topped off a strong performance by passing a slide rule to Kane, who finished with his customary accuracy.