England vs Scotland - Facts and Figures - Historical overview of the football rivalry

15 April 1967 – Unofficial World Champions

England (Jack Charlton 84?, Geoff Hurst 88?) 2–3 Scotland (Denis Law 27?, Bobby Lennox 78?, Jim McCalliog 87?)

With England famously winning the World Cup the year before and being undefeated in 19 matches before this one, it was hard to see Scotland taking anything out of this match, despite fielding superstars like Denis Law and Jim Baxter as well as four of the Celtic team who would go on to win the European Cup a few weeks later.

Against all the odds, Scotland managed what would be their most famous victory over England. Law stuck the Scots into the lead in the first half before Bobby Lennox made it 2-0 with 12 minutes to go.

A late fightback from England saw Jack Charlton score before Jim McCalliog sealed the victory a few minutes later. World Cup hero Geoff Hurst scored to make the end of the game interesting, but Scotland were crowned ‘unofficial world champions’ by the Tartan Army.

Although the tag was intended merely to rub salt in the wounds after the defeat, Scotland’s victory set up the Unofficial Football World Championships and they were deemed to be the original winners of the imaginary competition as it’s known today, at least until people went further back in history!

The match is also famous for Jim Baxter’s ‘keepie-uppie’ as he toyed with his English opponents.

4 June 1977 – Invasion

England (Mick Channon 87? (pen.)) 1–2 Scotland (Gordon McQueen 42?, Kenny Dalglish 60?)

This game is more famous for the events after the match rather than the match itself.

Gordon McQueen sent the Scots in front just before half-time with a powerful header past the despairing dive of Ray Clemence in the England goal. Kenny Dalglish would make it 2-0 on the hour mark after a goalmouth scramble fell kindly for him to slot the ball into the gaping net.

Mick Channon ensured a nervy ending for the Scots with a coolly-taken penalty with mere minutes to go, but Scotland held on for the win.

As mentioned, it was the events after the final whistle that sends this match into folklore.

It should be pointed out there was no malice behind the pitch invasion. Scotland’s fans were just happy at the result and wanted to celebrate on the field! They certainly didn’t mean to break the crossbar, it just couldn’t hold their weight. Although, it’s said to this day parts of the Wembley pitch are still growing inside some Scottish gardens.

15 June 1996 – The Dentist Chair

Scotland 0–2 England (Shearer 53?, Gascoigne 79?)

England and Scotland were drawn together in Group A of Euro ’96 despite media rumours suggesting UEFA would deliberately keep the teams apart in the group draw. With both teams drawing their first matches, this game took on extra significance as the winner was virtually guaranteed to go through to the knockout stages.

After a tight first half where Scotland had the better chances to score, England manager Glenn Hoddle brought on Jamie Redknapp at half time, and the substitution turned the game on its head. England would take the lead in the 53rd minute through Alan Shearer’s close range header.

Scotland put the pressure on in an attempt to get a deserved equaliser, and it looked like their luck was finally in when Gordon Durie was adjudged by referee Pierluigi Pairetto to be fouled in the box in the 77th minute by Tony Adams.

But then, this happened:

Enjoy the game tonight everyone!