Unlikely renewal for old rivals

An England versus Scotland encounter is unlikely to take place before 2011 according to both countries FA’s.

The idea of renewing the rivalry was brought about when both sides failed to qualify for Euro 2008 with the idea that it might lift the morale of both sets of supporters.

The match never took place however, as Scotland manager George Burley was reluctant to take on the Three Lions without his Old Firm players who had already committed to club tours.

A friendly cannot be fit in this year as the English FA has already booked friendlies with Slovakia, Holland and Slovenia for the start of the year. The second half of the year needs to be kept free in case of either side needing to compete in World Cup Play-Off matches.

Fabio Capello though, has announced that if England clinch automatic qualification, he will be seeking friendlies with countries England can expect to face during the summer of 2010 in South Africa.

An FA spokesperson said on the matter of the Scotland game: “We are aware of the significance of an England-Scotland fixture and the high level of interest it would generate,

“We have tried to arrange one in the last 12 months but unfortunately it was unable to take place.

“It is going to be difficult for us to find an opportunity to play Scotland at any point in the next 18 months.”

An SFA spokesperson however, told the Scottish News of the World that they remained hopeful of a clash with England.

“There are certain dates we can play the game,” he said.

“We really want to have the game and there’s a desire on both sides to have it, but we have to fit it into a pretty crowded match schedule.

“We’re meeting with the FA next week at the IFAB meeting and it will be mentioned.

“Whether or not it will get sorted then is different as our priority is the World Cup campaign but there’s a commitment on both sides to sit and sort it out.”