England vs. Scotland: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview
The oldest international fixture in world football completes its next instalment on Friday night at Wembley Stadium, as England host Scotland in UEFA Group F qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The British football battle has legendary status, as the Scots travel to the capital city to face their Auld Enemy.
Gareth Southgate's Three Lions currently top the group with seven points from three matches. Gordon Strachan's men trail in fourth behind their rivals—and Lithuania and Slovenia.
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Here is how you can watch the qualification encounter:
Date: Friday, Nov. 11
Time: 7.45 p.m. GMT/2.45 p.m. ET
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
TV Info: ITV and STV (UK only), Fox (U.S. only)
Live Stream: ITV Hub, Fox Soccer 2Go
Preview
In a sporting rivalry that has transcended the ages, Scotland have put the English to the sword against the odds over the generations.
However, they remain second favourite to secure any points on Friday as Southgate seeks to make the England manager's job his own after taking interim control.
A defeat to their most bitter rivals will almost definitely see the coach overlooked for the permanent role after Sam Allardyce left by mutual consent after a newspaper sting.
Despite Allardyce's demise, England remain the superior outfit, with Sky Sports pundit and former Scotland international, Charlie Nicholas, naming a combined best XI without including one of his countrymen, per Sky Football:
Per BBC Sport, Southgate has confirmed Wayne Rooney will feature from the start and captain his side. The interim boss said Rooney was now in better shape to play after being dropped for the previous match against Slovenia.
"He's in a better place than for the last get-together in terms of sharpness and confidence," said Southgate. "He's an experienced player for a game like this, and there is no hesitation to be playing him."
The captain remains his country's record goalscorer with 53 goals from 118 appearances after surpassing Bobby Charlton's longstanding tally. Rooney scored twice when the two nations last competed—a 3-1 win to England at Celtic Park.
Southgate was also asked about his own immediate future but deflected matters away from his tenure after being appointed for a four-match spell.
"What happens to me is not important. We have to win this game for the country, and because we want to be top of the group and heading to [the 2018 World Cup] in Russia.
What happens to me is important to my family, but other than that it isn't the purpose of the game. I want the players to enjoy the football and play well.
My focus is 100 per cent on the match and it would irresponsible and unprofessional for it to be any other way.
"
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell has been called up by the Three Lions for his debut, with Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also drafted in. Steven Fletcher is the big doubt for Scotland; the striker is suffering with a knee injury at present.
Strachan has called up Blackburn Rovers's versatile Charlie Mulgrew, who can play in defence or midfield, per BBC Sport. It follows an injury to Gordon Greer in training. Scott Brown is expected to recover from a dead leg and be available for selection.
"I don't think there is any concern about his [Brown's] fitness," said Scotland assistant Mark McGhee. "Steven Fletcher—there is a little bit of concern about him. But, other than that, everyone else is OK."
English fans will expect to conquer the Scots with consummate ease, but these games are never easy for the Three Lions when a battle of Britain takes place against a home nation.
Brown's inclusion will be vital for Strachan as he has previously been the heart and soul of Scotland's midfield, but with Rooney back in the driving seat for his country, England should have too much quality in attack to allow the visitors a foothold in the match.
Despite avoiding questions about his future, Southgate will be hoping for an impressive result from the game, setting England on their way to Russia 2018 in style.
