England v Scotland games to make a comeback?

[Trigger]

The Scottish Football Association are hoping an under-21 game against England will lead to the restoration of the full international to the calendar.

The annual meeting between the two teams was scrapped in 1989 although the two countries have met three times since then at Euro 96 and the two-legged Euro 2000 play-off.

SFA chief executive David Taylor will wait until the results of the Euro 2004 play-offs and the World Cup qualifying draw are known before pushing ahead with plans for the game.

He told the Scottish News of the World: "We have had dialogue with the English FA for some time about this matter and there is certainly interest on both sides of the border in restoring the fixture.

"Maybe we would start at Under-21s and then move on to full international level.

"The Under-21 game is a real possibility, particularly because our Under-21s are so good at the moment.

"In fact, we have already had discussions about an Under-21 fixture and even talked about specific dates.

"But, sadly, that has not been possible because of other commitments.

"As far as a full international with England is concerned, it's on hold at the moment.

"We are in the midst of a hectic qualification programme and we have two major draws coming up in December. So the sensible thing is to wait until these matters are decided.

"Obviously, if we play the English in the play-offs, that would take care of the issue. But I want to have the match on the calendar at some stage."

 

[Citrus]

Sounds good to me. Always nice to show up the Scottish!

 

[Sam]

yeah, who doesnt like a home nations clash? suggestion: do a rugby style homenations tournament, surely this could be fitted into the football calendar some where?!?!

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

Will any of our players give a crap though? I fear it might turn into something of a disaster for us, akin to the farce against australia in february. Its not like the old days when many of the top palyers in England were scottish and their was a genuine playing rivalry. I think our prima donna's would look down their noses at a game against scotland and regard it as a waste of time. If they took it seriously though, and promised to pretend it was an important game against one of the worlds top nations, and that they would play accordingly, then yeah, bring it on!

 

[Brovion]

Dreadful idea, the last thing we need is a 100 mph crash-bang-wallop regular fixture against another British side. Scrapping the Home Internationals was the best thing the FA ever did. What's the point of re-instating it? International football has moved on; no one out side these islands would give a toss, players would get injured and it wouldn't be proper preparation for a 'real' international match. We'd certainly gain nothing. If we won, well we're a bigger nation with more players. If we lost, HA HA HA HA HA HA!

I'd rather see a regular annual fixture against someone like France.

 

[beorhthelm]

as already said, it would just lead to injuries and accusations of players playing too many games etc, while not serving any purpose.

But, i think a under 21's game would be a great idea. In fact make it a 5 nations with Wales, NI and Rep. of Ireland, giving the young players experience

 

[albiongirl]

I think the under 21 home nations comp is a much better idea.It would also be good if they can play at different grounds around the country as well.

 

[Jam The Man]

LOL - this is announced on the day when Police state that hooliganism is making a comeback!

 

[Shizuoka Dolphin]

Nice one Police - hooliganism's been making a comeback for the last 15 years...