England 3-2 Scotland - Match Report
Rickie Lambert made an instant impression on his England debut, heading home the winner with his first touch of the ball against rivals Scotland. The 31-year-old Southampton hitman had to wait until the 67th minute before he entered the game as a replacement for the much talked about Wayne Rooney. Moments later he was powering a Leighton Baines corner in to the back of Alan Mcgregors goal to give England the lead for the first time in the contest, sparking euphoric celebrations on the pitch. It was the Scotland fans who were cheering after 11 minutes, James Morrison afforded too much time on the edge of the area before he struck a bullet effort in to net via Joe Harts left knee. England were back on level terms in the 28th minute, Tom Cleverley sliding Theo Walcott through on goal, the Arsenal winger checking inside before slotting past Mcgregor at the near post. That goal sparked England in to life, good interplay between Manchester United teammates Rooney and Danny Welbeck, the former dragging his shot wide. But it was the visitors who again took the lead, experienced striker Kenny Miller shaking off the attentions of Gary Cahill before curling the ball past Joe Hart early in the second period. Mcgregor was forced in to a good save from a Gerrard free kick moments later before the same man provided a high ball for Welbeck to nod home at the back post and re-address the balance. Then the time came in the 67th minute for Lambert to enter the fray, two minutes later the headlines were written for tomorrows newspapers as the bulky striker made a dream start to his England career scoring what proved to be the winner. New Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha and Arsenal Youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made later cameo appearances before Lambert had the chance to double his tally, smashing against the post from close range. The fiery rivalry between the two nations turned out to be a keenly fought contest, the first time these two teams had done battle in nine years ended with the Three Lions taking the bragging rights. Until next time