With goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane on Tuesday night at Hampden Park, England easily defeated Scotland 3-1 and sent them back to earth.
Following five straight victories in Euro 2024 qualification, the Tartan Army was ecstatic and saw a potential to beat England at home for the first time since 1985.
But after Kyle Walker’s errant attempt was converted by Foden in the 32nd minute and a Real Madrid blunder was corrected by Bellingham three minutes later, the celebration lost its luster.
Steve Clarke’s team temporarily made things hard for England after a 67th-minute own goal by replacement Harry Maguire, but captain Kane put an end to Scotland’s ambitions with a characteristically precise finish.
On Tuesday night, CRAIG HOPE of Mail Sport evaluated the squad.
England’s Jude Bellingham scored the second goal and set up Harry Kane for the third
SCOTLAND (3-5-1-1)
Angus Gunn 6.5
Confident punch from early corner but was left exposed for goals. Couple of timely dashes.
Ryan Porteous 5.5
Brilliant recovery tackle with Kane set to break through early on. Struggled thereafter.
Jack Hendry 5.5
Booked for shove on Bellingham during first-half melee but couldn’t get close during game.
Kieran Tierney 6
Tried in vain to make things happen with bursts forward. More to worry about at the other end.
Aaron Hickey 5.5
Confidence showed with early nutmeg of Rashford. England man soon got upper hand.
Scott McTominay 6
A couple of powerful surges, but class of opposition ultimately told. A difficult night.
Billy Gilmour 5
Brilliant club form with Brighton did not follow him into this match. A very quiet showing.
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Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour (right) struggled to make an impact for Scotland
Callum McGregor 6
Busy, as ever. Had little impact in final third, where he can usually pick a pass.
Andy Robertson 5.5
Nightmare error in gifting Bellingham England’s second. Had been lively down the left.
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Scotland captain Andy Robertson was at fault for England’s second goal on Tuesday night
John McGinn 5.5
Disappointed not to stamp mark on game given recent performances for club and country.
Che Adams 5
Isolated but nothing really stuck and was left chasing shadows. A frustrating night.
Substitutes
Ryan Christie 6 (for Adams, 60), Lyndon Dykes 6 (for Gilmour 60), Stuart Armstrong (for Tierney 82), Lewis Ferguson (for McGinn 82), Ryan Jack (for McGregor 89), Nathan Patterson (for Hickey 89)
Manager: Steve Clarke 6
Played strongest side but superior quality of England told and perhaps he will feel this was a little reality check.
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Steve Clarke’s side were offered a reality check after being outplayed for long periods
ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Aaron Ramsdale 6.5
Couple of nervy moments as men closed in but dealt with them well. Nothing he could do for own goal.
Kyle Walker 7.5
Not far away from second goal in as many games. It was his strike that led to Foden opener. Solid.
Marc Guehi 6.5
Did what he had to during 45 minutes with minimal fuss before making way. Easy enough evening.
Lewis Dunk 7.5
Can be proud of showing and offered real physical presence. One great block in penalty area.
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Lewis Dunk produced an assured display on his first international start for five years
Kieran Trippier 7
Never wasted a ball in more unfamiliar left back role, proving again he is a reliable option there.
Kalvin Phillips 7
First start for club or country since May. Smart in possession and aggressive in the tackle.
Declan Rice 7
Just that little bit quicker and stronger than the opposition. Still going strong come the end.
Jude Bellingham 8.5
Bossed contest as first half closed. Started move that led to his goal. Assist for Kane was sensational.
Phil Foden 8
Fluffed early chance but made no mistake from six yards. Excellent as he drifted across front line.
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Phil Foden drifted in between the lines to cause problems and took his goal well
Harry Kane 8
Link-up play when dropping deeper was flawless and he got his reward with late goal.
Marcus Rashford 8
Electric down the left. A menace — he really looked at his sharpest. Deserved a goal.
Substitutes
Maguire 5 (for Guehi, 46min), Eze 6 (Rashford, 71), Saka 6 (Foden, 71), Wilson (Kane 84), Gallagher (Bellingham 84)
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England forward Marcus Rashford was electric down the left against Scotland
Manager: Gareth Southgate 7
Reneged on promise not to make wholesale changes but got away with it as class
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy) 7
Handled the occasion very well and was barely noticed, despite a couple of feisty exchanges. Let game flow.
