England v Scotland: Harry Kane & Michael Keane relishing "heated" match

  • Published
Media caption,

England v Scotland: Harry Kane wary of losing to rivals

World Cup Qualifying Group F: England v Scotland

Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Friday, 11 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport app; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app

England's players must remain calm if they are to beat Scotland in what is likely to be a "heated" 2018 World Cup qualifier, says striker Harry Kane.

England, who are top of Group F after three games, host fourth-placed Scotland at Wembley on Friday - the 113th meeting between the two nations.

"We've got to keep cool and keep focused," Tottenham striker Kane said.

"It isn't like another game where, if you lose, it doesn't matter and you don't hear about it too much."

Defender Michael Keane echoed Kane, saying: "They might come and try to upset a few players but we have spoken about it, we know we have to keep our heads and not get involved."

The two countries will meet for the first time in a competitive match since their two-legged Euro 2000 play-off in November 1999.

The match is a 90,000 sell-out with Scotland expected to be backed by around 10,000 fans.

"We have to use the atmosphere to our advantage," said Kane. "We have to use all the positive energy and that passion to win the game.

"We know the Scottish players, we have Scottish friends who will make it heard if they beat us, so we obviously don't want that and we'll do all we can to try to win the game.

"There are going a lot of heated moments and tackles flying in, but we've got to keep cool and keep focused."

Kane, 23, believes he is fit to start against the Scots after making his comeback at the weekend following a seven-week lay-off with an ankle injury.

England interim manager Gareth Southgate said the Tottenham striker would be carefully assessed after playing most of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

"The test was to see how I got on on Sunday. I played 70 minutes and felt good," said Kane, who scored Spurs's equaliser from the penalty spot.

"I'll be training hard this week to try and get in the team for Friday."

Burnley's former Manchester United man Keane, 23, is another hoping to make the starting line-up following his first call-up proper - he was a called in as a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson last month.

He added: "It's the oldest international fixture and to see the players who have played in the past, it fills you with pride. When we step out there all the players will be up for it.

"It's a massive fixture. It's a big game for bragging rights for the players as well as the fans. We'll be right up for it and can't wait for the game."

Image source, Opta
Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.