Scotland to play England in 150th anniversary heritage match

The game will take place in September 2023

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 2nd Nov 2022
Last updated 2nd Nov 2022

Scotland will play England next year in a 150th anniversary heritage match.

The September 2023 fixture at Hampden Park will commemorate first ever international match in 1872.

Hampden Park will play host to the head-to-head on Tuesday, 12 September (7.45pm kick-off) as part of the year-long calendar of events from the Scottish FA to celebrate the history of Scottish football.

The first ever international

The original contest is recognised by FIFA as football’s first-ever international match, as 4000 supporters packed into the West of Scotland Cricket Club in Glasgow.

Scottish FA President Rod Petrie: “We look forward to welcoming England to Hampden Park to celebrate one of sport’s oldest rivalries as we mark 150 years of Scottish football.

“Everyone who enjoys Scottish football today – in any capacity – owes a debt of gratitude to the pioneers of international football, in whose footsteps we are fortunate to follow.

“I have no doubt that this occasion will capture the imagination of the supporters and that they will provide the team with their full backing throughout our calendar of fixtures next year.”

Clarke sets sights on Euro's repeat

Scotland Men’s National Team Head Coach Steve Clarke: “This fixture is enshrined in world football’s history – the first-ever international football match – and I will be proud to lead our team out at Hampden as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of our national game.

“This next chapter of the oldest rivalry in football will be a special occasion for our players and fans, especially after the recent experience at Wembley during Euro 2020.

“We have an exciting UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying campaign ahead of us next year, along with promotion to UEFA Nations League Group A, and I’m sure playing England at Hampden Park will be a welcome addition to our programme of fixtures.”

Scotland's next match is against Turkey on Wednesday 16th November.

Their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign begins in March.

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Mural

A muural in the Southside of Glasgow to Scotland's 1928 victory. The famous game ended 5-1 to the Scots.

Scotland to play England in 150th anniversary heritage match
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