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Scotland national football team
International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
England national football team

1-3

Robertson (83')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Oxlade-Chamberlain (32'), Rooney (47', 85')

Player Ratings: Scotland 1-3 England

Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during England's 3-1 victory over Scotland at Celtic Park.

Wayne Rooney edged ever closer to the all-time England goalscoring record with a brace in his side's 3-1 victory over old rivals Scotland this evening.

The skipper notched his two goals in the second half either side of an Andy Robertson strike after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had given the visitors the lead.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during an entertaining clash at Celtic Park.


Andrew Robertson of Scotland celebrates scoring their first goal during the International Friendly between Scotland and England at Celtic Park Stadium on November 18, 2014© Getty Images

SCOTLAND

Goal

David Marshall: Could not have done anything about Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal, but did make an early stop to deny Welbeck. Taken off at half time to give Gordon some playing time. (6/10)

Defence

Steven Whittaker: Was involved in a good battle with Welbeck, but came out second best to the Arsenal striker. Didn't have much of an impact going forward either. (5/10)

Russell Martin: Had Scotland's other shot on target apart from the goal, drawing a save from Forster with his header from a corner. Was fairly solid at the other end, but Rooney's superior class ultimately shone through. (6/10)

Grant Hanley: Partially at fault for the opening goal as neither he nor Robertson tracked the run of Oxlade-Chamberlain. Struggled to deal with Welbeck and Rooney at times. (5/10)

Andy Robertson: Was given a tough time defensively and a portion of blame could be put on his shoulders for England's opening two goals, but he was one of Scotland's brightest attackers. Scored the goal and linked up with Russell well during the sub's short cameo. Looks to be a very promising player. (7/10)

Midfield

Shaun Maloney: Was anonymous for large periods of the match. Did have one or two moments when he looked like he could create something for his side, but ultimately he could not make a telling difference like he did against Ireland. (5/10)

Scott Brown: Gave the ball away on a number of occasions. Looked to provide the physical edge many were expecting in midfield, but the game largely passed him by as Wilshere dominated the middle of the park. Withdrawn at half time. (5/10)

Charlie Mulgrew: Had more of an impact on the game than Brown alongside him, but was still unable to replicate his performance against Ireland. (6/10)

Ikechi Anya: Provided a useful outlet for his side and span away from Clyne once early on, but from then on he was second best to the England full-back before being withdrawn on the hour. (5/10)

Attack

Steven Naismith: One of his side's better performers, always eager to get the ball and run at England. Had little support, though, and couldn't make much of an impact alone. (6/10)

Chris Martin: Was left isolated for long periods and got no joy from Cahill up front. Taken off at half time after an ineffectual showing. (5/10)

Substitutes

Craig Gordon: First action on his return to international football was picking the ball out of the back of his net following Rooney's first goal. Couldn't do anything about that goal or Rooney's second. (6/10)

Darren Fletcher: Came on at the break and struggled to make a difference in the middle of the park. Gave the ball away a couple of times and came off second best in his battles against club teammate Rooney. (5/10)

James Morrison: Also introduced at half time and showed a couple of glimpses of good footwork without having a substantial say on the game. (5/10)

Barry Bannan: Came on just after the hour mark but struggled to use his time effectively. Was fairly anonymous during his 30 minutes on the field. (5/10)

Stevie May: Made his debut and caused England as much trouble as any of the other frontmen. Was given a rousing reception by the home fans and is clearly a popular figure. (6/10)

Johnny Russell: Comfortably the most effective of Scotland's subs, despite only being on the field for nine minutes. Linked with Robertson well, including once to provide the assist for Scotland's goal. (7/10)


Wayne Rooney of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the International Friendly match between Scotland and England at Celtic Park Stadium on November 18, 2014 © Getty Images

ENGLAND

Goal

Fraser Forster: Had a quiet night on his return to Celtic Park, with only two shots on target to face. Perhaps could have done better with the goal having been beaten at his near post, but it came at him from close range. (6/10)

Defence

Nathaniel Clyne: Continued his promising start to life as a senior international with a fine defensive display. Always seemed to get the better of Anya down his flank. (8/10)

Chris Smalling: Wasn't tested too much and, despite a couple of minor scares, got through the game unscathed. (6/10)

Gary Cahill: Easily got the better of Martin in the first half, and looked as solid as ever before being withdrawn at half time. (7/10)

Luke Shaw: Decent display from the United man, who battled through an apparent injury in the first half. Was strong going forward and at the back without having a huge say on the result. (6/10)

Midfield

Jack Wilshere: Another fine display at the base of the diamond. His pass to Oxlade-Chamberlain for the opener was sublime, and he ran the show from midfield throughout. (8/10)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Took his goal really well, deftly glancing his header into the bottom corner. Kept the full-back busy all night. (7/10)

James Milner: Provided the free kick that led to England's second goal, but didn't have the same impact as Wilshere from midfield. Was sloppy in possession at times, but always worked hard to win it back. (6/10)

Stewart Downing: Handed his first start for more than two years, but it may also be his last for a while. Was certainly not the worst player on the park, but never really got going and was subbed off at half time. (5/10)

Attack

Wayne Rooney: Displayed predatory instincts that suggest he is at his best when in the penalty area, scoring two goals to edge closer to Charlton's record. Was good off the ball as well as he put the Scotland defence under heavy pressure. (8/10)

Danny Welbeck: Never shirked a challenge and was as willing to get stuck in as anyone else. Perhaps should have done better with an early chance, but overall a good performance. (7/10)

Substitutes

Adam Lallana: Came on for Downing at half time and was more of a threat. Provided the assist for England's third goal, which clinched the match. (7/10)

Phil Jagielka: Replaced Cahill at the break and had little more to deal with than the departing defender. (6/10)

Kieran Gibbs: Introduced for the final 25 minutes or so and picked up where Shaw left off with a solid display. (6/10)

Raheem Sterling: Injected some more pace into a tiring England attack but ultimately could not have a telling impact during his time on the field. (6/10)

Rickie Lambert: Played his part in England's third goal. Could not replicate his heroics of scoring the winning goal on his debut in this fixture last year, though. (6/10)

Ross Barkley: Replaced Wilshere for the final few minutes and didn't have time to make an impact on proceedings. (6/10)


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Written by
Barney Corkhill
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the International Friendly match between Scotland and England at Celtic Park Stadium on November 18, 2014
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