Scotland v England: Fans embrace brief high before 3-1 loss

Alistair Dickson nurses the disappointment with a pint

It was a night that began with crackling excitement as fans gathered to watch Scotland take on England in a historic match, celebrating their 150-year rivalry.

Hopes for victory were high, with Steve Clarke's side having won their past five games.

Even as the score sat at 2-0 to England, optimism was not quite extinguished with the blow of the half-time whistle - before a Harry Maguire own goal in the second half.

But the night ultimately ended in disappointment for the Tartan Army with a 3-1 victory settled by Harry Kane.

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game next to a disappointed Kieran Tierney

While 50,000 watched from Hampden Park, the BBC spoke to those experiencing the highs and lows in a city centre pub.

'Maybe we can pull it back'

Committee Room No.9 was silent with occasional sighs as England scored twice in the first half through Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.

Andrew Mcfarlane from Larkhall said he had been excited about the match all day and had travelled in straight from work.

"It's a brilliant atmosphere from everyone, there's a mix of fans as well," he said. "Half-time, 2-0 down, it's not great but it's all to play for I suppose.

"You've always got to have that hope but I'm a little doubtful we can bring it back."

Andrew Mcfarlane from Larkhall held onto hopes for a Scotland win at half time

He added: "I've got faith in [Scott] McTominay, he's a good boy so maybe he can pull it back for us - I'm sure he's got some goals in him."I've not been keeping track of the Norway game, I've got the notifications off."

As Maguire diverted the ball into his own net around the 67th minute, the solemn mood in the Glasgow bar erupted into wild cheering - the goal comes as a surprise to many.

The bar staff allowed the jukebox to blare for a minute or two of celebrations.

Ali Aitken from Edinburgh came to watch the match with friend Oliver Bonnington, from North Berwick. They kept their expectations tempered.

Ali said: "I thought we would have got off to a better start. There's been a couple of mistakes.

"From previous form, we should be able to pull it back but it's Scotland so you never know what could happen.

"I think Scotland should be more fired up than England. It means lots to Scotland if they win. This means a lot for the fans as well.

"We're disappointed but still hopeful."

Ali Aitken, right, and Oliver Bonnington, left

Oliver added: "We're coming off the back of five wins so we had high hopes but it's been a pretty disappointing first half. They've not really turned out, not really creating any opportunities. It's not looking good.

"After that first half, I don't think so unless there's a good half-time team talk."

'We're still buzzed'

The last meeting of the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw at Wembley.

Clarke's team had five wins from the past five games, having avoided a loss in the past 11 qualifying games.

England came into the game on the back of a draw with Ukraine - and ultimately continued their modern-day superiority in the 150-year rivalry with Scotland.

Speaking after the final whistle, Elise McQueenie told the BBC: "We're feeling all right but obviously the result is not great, so we're feeling a wee bit down."

From left to right - Elise McQueenie, Kerry Stewart, Grace Wilken and Abby Mason

Friend Abby Mason agreed the evening would have been better with a win, but Kerry Stewart added: "It was a bit disappointing that the only we goal we had was an own goal. We're still buzzed."

While Grace Wilken summed the night up simply: "Better one goal than zero."

Putting things in perspective

Before the match finished it emerged Scotland has to wait until next month at the earliest to earn the two points that would seal a Euro 2024 place after Norway beat Georgia 2-1 in Oslo.

But Alistair Dickson is convinced the Tartan Army will make it to Germany.

Asked how he had taken the defeat, he said: "A bit deflated, I was hoping for a better result. I was hoping for a win, any way, any means.

"When it got to 2-1, I thought you can dream but I think England were probably the better team.

"At the end of the day, it means a lot because its England but it's a friendly.

"I'm a wee bit deflated but I'll have a few pints and it'll all be better in the morning. I've been through the bad times, I was born in 1995 so I've seen Scotland go through the muck.

"You've got to put it in perspective, we're doing well and Stevie Clarke's the right man."

The united couple

As pre-match celebrations took place, the BBC spoke to supporters gathering in the south side of the city.

Tamsin Sandiford is originally from Birmingham, but said she would be cheering on Scotland.

"I'd have to find a new place to live if I supported England," she said. "I've been with my partner for eight years now so I've just adopted it. I love Scotland, I love Hampden, I love the culture."

With his arm around her, fiancé Jason Monaghan said there was a lot of pressure on both teams - but the rivalry had transcended football.

He said: "It's a friendly but when Scotland and England meet there's no such thing as a friendly, you're playing for the pride of two countries that have such a bitter rivalry.

"Whenever the two meet in competition that all just gets brought up. Emotions run high between both sets of fans.

"It could be a game of cards between Scotland and England and it would still be bitter."