Scotland to face England at Hampden to mark 150 years since first meeting

The Auld Enemy first visited Glasgow in 1872 for what is recognised as the world's first international fixture.

Scotland to face England at Hampden as part of celebrations marking 150 years since first international SNS Group

Scotland will face England at Hampden in a friendly to mark 150 years since first meeting between the two sides.

The Tartan Army first faced off against the Auld Enemy in front of 4,000 fans at the West of Scotland Cricket Club in Glasgow in 1872.

The match, which ended in a goalless draw, is recognised by FIFA as football’s first-ever international fixture.

A repeat of that fixture will now take place at the national stadium on September 12 next year as part of a “year-long calendar of events” to celebrate the history of Scottish football.

Scotland face Cyprus in Nicosia four days before the game in their fifth Euro 2024 qualifying fixture.

The hosts will go into the game in Uefa Nations League group A following promotion earlier this year, while England were relegated to the second tier of the competition.

The two sides last faced off at Wembley during Euro 2020, with England holding Scotland to a 0-0 draw.

Manager Steve Clarke said: “This fixture is enshrined in world football’s history – the first-ever international football match – and 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 UEFA Euro 2020. 

“We have an exciting UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign ahead of us next year, along with promotion to UEFA Nations League group A, and I’m sure playing England at Hampden Park will be a welcome addition to our programme of fixtures.”

The Scots also face Georgia, Norway and Spain in their qualifying group.

England meanwhile face Ukraine on September 9.

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