International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2014 8.00pm
1
3
HT : 0 1
FT
  • Charlie Mulgrew 46' yellowcard
  • Andy Robertson 83' goal
  • goal Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 32'
  • goal Wayne Rooney 47'
  • goal Wayne Rooney 85'

Half-Time Report: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain heads England in front against Scotland

Ox heads England in front

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's 32nd-minute header has given England a 1-0 half-time lead against auld enemy Scotland in their friendly at Celtic Park.

The winger combined with Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere to give the Three Lions a deserved advantage in the 112th fixture between these two nations.

Stewart Downing, making his first England start in over two years, delivered an early corner from which Gary Cahill nodded high and wide, but the rest of the visitors' chances emanated came from Scotland mistakes.

Several times Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck broke away after the Scots conceded possession, with England's captain finding his teammate on one occasion for a left-footed strike that was straight at David Marshall.

Welbeck's Arsenal colleagues were on the same wavelength for England's goal as Wilshere perfectly spotted the run of Oxlade-Chamberlain between two defenders, and his glancing header sneaked inside the post.

Scotland came into the game full of confidence following a resurgence under Gordon Strachan which continued with victory over the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday, but created few first-half chances.

Their full-backs were their best source of opportunities, as Steven Whittaker twice had powerful long-range efforts blocked, and one Andy Robertson raid down the left ended in a cross which just evaded Scott Brown.

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