LONDON - England can join Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands in the last 16 of Euro 2020 on Friday if the Three Lions get the better of neighbours Scotland in a grudge match at Wembley.
The oldest and most played fixture in international football will take place at a major tournament for just the second time with the Scots aiming to avenge England's 2-0 win at Euro 96.
England manager Gareth Southgate was part of that winning side 25 years ago, but does not want his players to be distracted by the acrimony that surrounds a meeting with Scotland.
"For the fans and for us it is a big occasion but it is another opportunity for three points and our objective is qualification. That is what we have got to focus on," said Southgate at his pre-match press conference.
"I want them to approach it like any other game of football and focus on playing well and don't need to emphasise the other parts too much."
Despite having just 2,500 tickets for the 22,500 crowd limited by coronavirus restrictions, Scottish fans have already descended on London in their thousands.
After a 23-year wait to reach a major finals, the Scots were stung by Patrik Schick's stunning strike to lose 2-0 to the Czech Republic on Monday.
Another defeat would leave Steve Clarke's men needing to beat World Cup finalists Croatia heavily in their final game and other results to go their way to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Scotland's chances of causing an upset have received a massive boost with the return of Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney from a hamstring injury.
"We need him back. He's a top player and an amazing character and someone we want back in the team," said Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
"He's someone we need and we rely on him a lot for what he brings to the squad."
England also have a full compliment of players to choose from with United captain Harry Maguire back in contention after recovering from ankle ligament damage.
Southgate's men avenged their World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia to get off to a winning start in the European Championship for the first time on Sunday.
Croatia will look to bounce back when they face the Czechs in Glasgow in Friday's 1600GMT kick-off. - AFP. June 18, 2021
