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The European Championships 2000 play-offs draw was
made in Germany in October 1999. Scotland were paired against England for a
double header qualifying tie. The first game against the "Auld-Enemy"
took place at Hampden Park (Glasgow) on November 13th. The second
leg took place four days later at Wembley Stadium in London. Eventful meetings between the sides in the previous 108 internationals have seen some dramatic games. Among the most famous games include Scotland's 3-2 win in 1967 and a 2-1 win at Wembley in '77. The last game between the two sides in Euro '96 saw England emerge as 2-0 winners after a scoreless first half. |
Scotland Wins | England Wins | Drawn Matches | |
In Glasgow | |||
In London | |||
OVERALL |
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| This is where the two countries stood when the draw was made - October 1999 - Selected Fifa Rankings:
1 Brazil |
- Tony Blair declares he supports England. |
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The Daily Record aimed its "Boastbusters" headline at the England manager and the Scottish Mirror reflected on a previous encounter with it's "Lock up your goalposts" headline.
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The first leg game at Hampden Park was won by England. 2 goals from Paul Scholes secured the win. Scotland strikers failed to take chances but the performance deserved better. Both teams had penalty claims turned down by the Spanish referee who booked 10 players.
The second leg of the tie was the last competative international played at Wembley Stadium this millennium. Scotland outplayed England for much of the first half and were rewarded with a goals from Don Hutchison before half-time. In the second half Scotland again created most of the chances but were denied further goals by the English Goalkeeper David Seaman. The game with Scotland coming out 1-0 winners.
Over the two games Scotland were acknowledged to have played better football even though the England team was full of star players. However, it was England who qualified for the Euro 2000 finals as they had scored their two goals and defended their slender lead. Despite going down 2-1 on aggregate, Scotland can take pride from being the the first team to defeat England since Kevin Keegan became the England manager.
