England and Scotland set for 150th anniversary clash to celebrate first international

By Sports Desk November 02, 2022

England and Scotland will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first international football match with a repeat fixture at Glasgow's Hampden Park in 2023.

The two teams played out the inaugural game, officially considered the maiden encounter in the sport's international history by FIFA, on November 30, 1872. 

As part of the celebrations marking 150 years since that 0-0 draw at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow, they will face off in the same city next year on September 12.

"Any meeting with Scotland is always special," England manager Gareth Southgate said.

"Ourselves and Scotland are the oldest of rivals, and passions are sure to be high at Hampden.

"But this milestone is much bigger than our two nations, as it is also an opportunity to celebrate 150 years of international football."

The neighbouring nations met in the group stage of Euro 2020, with that match finishing goalless. Their last encounter at Hampden Park came in 2017, when Harry Kane struck in injury time in a 2-2 draw.

"This fixture is enshrined in history," Scotland manager Steve Clarke added. "I will be proud to lead our team out at Hampden as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of our national game.

"This next chapter of the oldest rivalry in football will be a special occasion for our players and fans, especially after the recent experience at Wembley during Euro 2020."

Alongside the announcement, the Football Association (FA) confirmed England will play their Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia at Manchester United's Old Trafford on June 19.

While Scotland failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, England are making their preparations for Qatar, with Southgate set to name his squad by November 10.

The Three Lions will take on Iran, the United States and Wales in the group stage.

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