England to face litmus test against Scotland
By Vic Mills
LONDON (JP): The second Saturday of Euro 96 has a rather parochial air about it as England entertains Scotland at Wembley in Group A.
Be warned, though, it is not for the faint-hearted or those of a nervous disposition; indeed, if any game should carry a Government Health Warning, it is this!
Readers should prepare for a celebration of soccer's more basic instincts - strength, stamina and sweated endeavor, with that other s-word ... subtlety, locked away for its own good.
It is and always has been that type of fixture. Evidence this by the revelry among Scottish supporters following its splendid 0-0 draw against Holland on Monday.
No mention was made, at its height, of holding the tournament's second favorites; in its hour of triumph it sang only of the enemy: "If you all hate the English clap your hands. If you all hate the English...."
A point reinforced well before half-time as the simple rendition of "Wum-burrr-lee! Wum-burrr-lee!" reverberated around Villa Park.
The meeting of these two countries dates back to November 1872.
The actual rivalry, however, pre-dates this by several centuries and passes far beyond that of a soccer tournament.
With an eye to history, today will stir memories of battles long ago; of the Scots routed at Culloden in 1746 and of the English put to flight at Bannockburn in 1314.
Some 682 years on (to the month) from Bannockburn, and England's footballers appear no better off - drinking, vandalism, questionable fitness and more drinking preceded their lackluster draw against Switzerland.
Attacked on all flanks by the press -- broadsheet and tabloid -- coach Venables saw it fit earlier this week to describe certain sections of the media as "traitors."
No such problems for Scotland as its performance against Holland was hailed as its best for years. A result given added significance by Holland's 2-0 victory over Switzerland at Villa Park on Thursday. Scottish participation in the quarterfinals is now a distinct possibility.
This unexpected Celtic advance is fueled by a combination of passion, courage, discipline and no little talent or ability.
In Andy Goram it has a goalkeeper at the height of his powers. his commanding presence in the penalty area, aided and abetted by the admirable Colin Hendry, will make the scoring difficult for an England attack already short of goals.
The surprise package against Holland was the calm, assured performances in midfield of captain Gary McAllister and the classy John Collins.
Genuine
This is not simply a midfield built upon endeavor, but one that possesses genuine class. Overrun on occasions by the extravagant Dutch, it nevertheless holds the key to unlock England's faltering defense.
Goals have been the problem of late for manager Craig Brown.
With this in mind, Gordon Durie and John Spencer look set to start the game against England, Rangers striker Ally McCoist waiting in the wings.
The pace of the Scottish attack will trouble an English defense that looked nothing short of pedestrian against Switzerland a week ago.
To the mobility up front, invention in midfield and strength at the back must be added a level of commitment and national pride that will burn bright in every Scottish heart comes today.
Which is not good news for an England side that already has more than enough problems of its own. Not least being the nightmare scenario of two-and-a-half years of meaningless friendly soccer followed by three equally anonymous games and an undignified exit from a tournament of which it had such high hopes.
After a promising start against Switzerland, England faded badly. Paul Gascoigne, a player of unrivaled quality and the man around which Venables has built his side, lasted, the combination of wasted nervous energy and questionable fitness, barely fifty minutes.
His demise and the curious substitution of Macmanaman left England woefully short of ideas. A position compounded by the seeming inability of the players to pass to one another which brought constant second-half pressure and the eventual equalizer.
There is much building of bridges to be done between the England players and supporters. A strong performance and convincing victory would be the ideal public relations exercise.
Much then will be expected of the Shearer-Sherringham partnership up front. The former, at least, is back on the scoresheet after an absence of 21 fretful months.
Venables will not name his side until just before the kick- off. The most contentious area, midfield, has become more a minefield of late. Will Platt play? What is to be the fate of the disappointing Anderton? Is this the game to introduce the bustling Stone? Is there a place for Redknapp? And what part will the mercurial Gascoigne play in proceedings?
The lush green acres of Wembley are a far cry from the mist-shrouded moors of Bannockburn and Culloden; the likelihood, however, is that this particular battle will be no less passionate, nor the result any less unpredictable.