SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) shares his thoughts on Friday night's mega match between England and Scotland at Wembley.
Englnad vs Scotland | Friday 18th June 2020, 20:00 | ITV
England were comfortable enough 1-0 winners in their opening salvo in the competition against Croatia. In a match played in the searing temperatures at Wembley, Harry Kane and co were very professional and had another gear or two, they perhaps could've used if required.
Scotland, on the other hand, lost out 2-0 to Czech Republic at Hampden, despite having plenty of shots and an xG of 2.31. Chances were missed at crucial times in the match, whereas the Czechs were clinical when opportunities came their way.
It was a bit of a surprise that Steve Clarke decided to leave striker Che Adams on the bench, until hooking Ryan Christie at half time, and putting on the Southampton hitman. Adams has some nice form against top teams – in the last 11 months he has played 330 minutes against the best two teams in Europe, Chelsea and Man City, and has scored 3 times.
I think Clarke won't make the same mistake twice, and will no doubt shake up his line up and start with an attacking line up, including Adams.
The last time these two played was a 2-2 draw at Hampden in 2017, preceding that England won the home qualifier 3-0 at Wembley, with the Scots missing two or three great chances.
Scotland may struggle to keep Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish quiet, but Andy Robertson and co will come into this with no fear and will be looking, this time to take the chances that come their way against Gareth Southgates charges.
One mantra I use sometimes when betting – if you select the bets that everyone has, it isn't always the way to profit, whereas placing some bets that appear to others to be a bit crazy, can sometimes be the way to go. Hence on the premise that both teams will have attacking line ups, we could get a high scoring match.
So if we get an early goal in the match, placing a few correct scores at nice prices, maybe an angle in, and give a nice speculative interest in a match that should be great entertainment. I for one, am looking forward to it.
Best Bets
England vs Scotland – England 2-2 Scotland (35/1 SBK)
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England vs Scotland – England 2-3 Scotland (150/1 Gentingbet)
England vs Scotland – England 3-3 Scotland (200/1 Gentingbet)
