Much more than a football match, a real moment of history! This Friday, Wembley Stadium will be in turmoil for the reunion between England and Scotland, two teams that everything seems to separate today. Between the English, 4th in the last Fifa ranking and the Scots, modest 44th, the hierarchy seems well established. Yet these two were the origin of world football as we know it. “It is the rivalry which founded modern football, analyzes Paul Dietschy, professor of contemporary history at the University of Franche-Comté, and specialist in the history of football. This rivalry was more wanted by the Scots who wanted to show the English that they could beat them. “
The very first match between England and Scotland dates back to March 5, 1870 and ended in a draw (1-1). This meeting, like the four following ones, was not officially recognized and it was not until December 2, 1872 that the British shock became the very first international match in football history. A first which is punctuated by a new draw (0-0). Since this meeting, England-Scotland took place every year until… 1989!
The Scots have long dominated the English
In the beginning, it was the Scots who dominated the English. “The Scots have a reputation for having square feet,” notes Paul Dietschy. However, we kind of forgot that they created a style of play based on passing: le Passing Game. It is thanks to this that they have long been superior to the English. “In 1928, the Scots became the Magicians of Wembley after their triumph (5-1), confirmed in 1937 at Hampden Park in Glasgow before a record attendance of 149,415 people. The trend was reversed after the Second World War, England caught up with its delay until the world consecration in 1966. “It was not until 1950 that the British teams opened up to the world. It was also that year that England played its first World Cup. For the British, football existed only at home. Moreover, twice, the English threatened to leave Fifa. “
The only English coronation of 1966 was experienced very differently on the Scottish side. “Denis Law admitted not having followed any English match during the World Cup. He said he was not interested in it! », Specifies Dietschy. Moreover, less than a year after the English title, the Scots will play a malicious pleasure in defeating the Perfidious Albion at Wembley (3-2). A victory which will make the Scottish people say that they are unofficial world champions.
It was also at this time that the Scots won the very first European Cup of Champions Clubs (the ancestor of the Champions League) for a British club. It is Celtic Glasgow, which will be joined a year later in 1968 by Manchester United on the roof of Europe. In Liverpool, it is a Scotsman, Bill Shankly who in the space of 15 years (from 1959 to 1974), will build the club we know. “With players and then managers like Kenny Dalglish or Graeme Souness, Liverpool are probably the club that owes the Scots the most, along with Manchester United and Alex Ferguson of course. “
What does the 115th confrontation – world record – reserve between the English, who lead 48 victories against 41 to the Scots? “There is this tradition,” says Paul Dietschy. Even today, this match remains an event. Especially in the current context with Brexit. The Scots, who were against, will certainly take the opportunity to put the question of their independence on the carpet. Otherwise, on the pitch, it will be a physical match. The Scots will give it their all in this game. However, I do not see them winning. Unless the English attackers are clumsy… ”In any case, there is little chance that the 22,500 spectators (including 2,500 visitors) who will be present at Wembley can imitate those of 1977 when the Scottish supporters invaded the pitch after a victory (2-1).
