The longest running rivalry in international football will see its latest iteration played on Friday when England hosts Scotland in Group D play during EURO 2020. The Three Lions are riding high after they earned a modicum of revenge with their 1-0 win over Croatia on Sunday, while Scotland’s first international tournament in 23 years got off to a rocky start with a 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic. A loss for the Scots would be devastating, but they are prohibitive underdogs against England.
Don't miss a second of EURO 2020. This match will be held at Wembley Stadium in London, England at 3 p.m. ET. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
UEFA EURO 2020 Odds at BookMaker.eu
England -287
Scotland +878
Draw +410
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
These teams have met four times in the last eight years. England won the first three meetings, winning a friendly 3-2 in Wembley Stadium in 2013 and another friendly 3-1 in Celtic Park the following year. The Three Lions hammered Scotland at home 3-0 in 2018 World Cup qualifying, but the return leg produced one of the most thrilling finishes we’ve ever seen in this rivalry.
After a scoreless 69 minutes, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain broke through for England with a goal in the 70th minute. It looked like the Three Lions would win their fourth straight over Scotland, but Leigh Griffiths scored in the 87th and 90th minute to put Scotland ahead and send the crowd into a frenzy. Unfortunately for the hosts, Harry Kane leveled three minutes later and the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
England is a favorite to win this group and one of the overall favorites to win EURO 2020. The Three Lions could only beat Croatia by a score line of 1-0 in their first match, but they controlled the pace for long stretches. Phil Foden and Harry Kane nearly found the back of the net, yet it was Raheem Sterling that scored the lone goal.
Scotland knew they needed a result out of their first match with the Czech Republic. They had their chances, but they were outclassed by a wonderful performance from Patrik Schick. Schick scored two brilliant goals, and his 54-yard strike that sailed into the back of the net will likely be the goal of the tournament.
This is a tough position for Scotland. If they picked up a win against the Czech Republic in their first match, they would have played for a draw here. However, they have to hope for a win at this point, but they know they can’t expose themselves too much in the back. England has much more offensive firepower, and the Three Lions will eat them alive if they try to play an open game.
Matchup to Watch
It’s going to be difficult for Scotland to find chances to go for goal. They are likely to rely on the counter against England, and they know they can’t be caught out of position. Scott McTominay and Andrew Robertson will need to do their best to get their side out whenever they have the opportunity, so England’s midfield must be aware and possibly play more reserved.
Free EURO 2020 Betting Pick
Scotland will be up for the challenge and give a furious effort on Friday. However, it won’t be enough to overcome England and pick up a result. This will be hard-fought and figures to be one of the most physical matches of EURO 2020, but England’s skill will rise to the occasion and put their side through to the knockout round. Scotland +1.5 is probably a good bet though.
EURO 2020 Odds: England 2, Scotland 1
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