Key Battles: Where England-Scotland clash will be won and lost
Ahead of tonight’s big game at Wembley we assess three key battles that could be decisive as England host rivals Scotland in an attempt to assert some early dominance in Group F.
We start with the two captains on Friday night, set to come to blows in the middle ground despite facing heavy criticism so far this season.
Wayne Rooney vs Darren Fletcher
Former Manchester United teammates, while Rooney has stayed on to eventually take the captain’s armband at Old Trafford, Fletcher had to seek a move in order to gain regular playing time following a long spell on the sidelines with colitis. Both are set to be the experienced heads in their respective sides but, at 31 and 32 respectively, have certainly begun to show their age.
The news that Gareth Southgate will be starting with his captain tonight, having left Rooney out of the XI against Slovenia, has been met with groans from most quarters, but it will be interesting to see where the country’s all time top scorer takes his place in the side nonetheless. Operating from an unfamiliar role on the left of a 4-2-3-1 last time out against Swansea, the United man registered two assists for his first WhoScored.com rating in excess of 8 all season (8.39) and his best in any competition since the final day of the previous campaign (9.11 vs Bournemouth).
It seems more likely, however, that Rooney will operate form a central position behind a lone striker, so it’s Fletcher that may well be tasked with keeping his old clubmate in check. That may not seem a difficult proposition based on this season’s performances, but the West Brom skipper has had a torrid time of his own of late.
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Having become a popular figure at the Hawthorns following his arrival Fletcher’s performances have dipped dramatically this season. A decision to withdraw him early in the second half against Manchester City recently was even met by cheers from some sections of the Baggies support. The Scotland middle man is in fact the lowest rated outfielder in the Premier League to start all of his side’s league matches this season (6.39), with his lowest figures at the club for passes, pass accuracy (75.2%), tackles and interceptions per game.
It may not be a battle between two players in form then, but the experience of the two captains and their likely close proximity on the pitch could make it decisive to which team comes out on top.
Raheem Sterling vs Callum Paterson
Back in the fold having been missed in the underwhelming double header with Malta and Slovenia, Sterling will hope to have a big impact despite his superb early season form waning of late. To do so, however, he will need to get the better of one of Scotland’s own top young talents in Callum Paterson, who has replaced stalwart Alan Hutton as the new first choice right-back this qualifying campaign.
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As mentioned, while Sterling started life under Pep Guardiola with a bang, scoring 4 goals and registering two assists in his first six league appearances, his influenced has dropped in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the winger offers a threat that few other compatriots can with his pace and directness, with an average of 3 dribbles per game among the top ten in England’s top-flight. He’ll provide a real test to Paterson then, who will hope that his strength and physicality wins out.
With a peculiar career progression to now, settling at right-back having played much of his games as a teenager up front or on the wing, the 21-year old has attracted plenty of interest from south of the border and will be closely monitored on Friday. He offers a fantastic threat from set pieces, with an excellent leap helping him to four goals for Hearts already this season, while his ability with both feet from distance could also be a factor. If Sterling relinquishes his defensive responsibilities, Paterson could certainly prove an effective out ball for the visitors.
Eric Dier vs Robert Snodgrass
Earmarked by some as the one England player nailed on to hold down a regular berth for this qualifying campaign, not least due to a lack of competition in his position, Eric Dier has had a disappointing start to the season at Spurs. Undoubtedly one of England’s strongest performers in an admittedly abject Euro 2016 showing, the 22-year old appears to be suffering from something of a hangover from the summer, perhaps feeling the pressure on his position at Tottenham from new signing Victor Wanyama.
The youngster has filled in in his initial centre-back role following injury to Toby Alderweireld but on current form it would be hard to make a case for his continued presence in the side once everyone is fit and available for the Londoners. Though that doesn’t bode well for England in the long run, he seems likely to keep his place in the team for now but may need to raise his game to deny arguably Scotland’s greatest threat. Having averaged just 1 tackle and 1.1 interceptions per game in the league thus far, Southgate will certainly be hoping for better on international duty.
One man that will be keen to ensure Dier’s struggles continue is Robert Snodgrass, who began the qualifying campaign with a hat-trick against Malta. That came following as superb start to the season from the Scot for Hull, and while the Tigers faired miserably thereafter, Mike Phelan owed much to his star man this season ahead of the break as the promoted side returned to winning ways against Southampton. The 29-year old scored his fourth goals of the season, registering an assist for Michael Dawson’s winner, and his ability from set pieces will concern the hosts.
Should Dier, or any other England player for that matter, be drawn into fouls in their own third in what is sure to be a hard-fought affair, Snodgrass will be on hand to test Joe Hart’s mettle. With superb delivery from corners to boot, and the likes of Paterson to attack them, dead ball situations might be the underdogs' best route to goal.
