Robert Snodgrass is targeting a win over the Auld Enemy after being named in Scotland’s squad for their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with England.
The Tartan Army welcome the Three Lions to Hampden Park in Glasgow on 10 June knowing defeat would end their hopes of topping European qualifying Group F.
Snodgrass has a huge incentive to defeat England on home turf, having missed a gilt-edged chance with Gareth Southgate’s side leading 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Wembley in November. England went on to win 3-0.
“This game is a massive one,” said the West Ham United No11. “I don’t think you’ll get a bigger game in a Scotland jersey. It’s one we’ve all been looking forward to.
“Wembley is gone now, along with that horrible taste in the mouth. If we had taken our chances we’d probably have won.
“I still think back to my chance. If it had gone in it might have been a different story. To now have England in our own backyard with a packed house will be huge.”
For Snodgrass, the rivalry with England has been intensified by being surrounded by images of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy at both Rush Green and London Stadium.
I don’t think you’ll get a bigger game in a Scotland jersey. It’s one we’ve all been looking forward to
Robert Snodgrass
The midfielder has also shared a dressing room with England internationals Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell, as well as proud Englishmen Mark Noble and Michail Antonio, since joining the Club in January.
“There are lots of lads who have a tradition with West Ham and England,” Snodgrass observed. “There are pictures of them all around the stadium. You can feel that connection with England.”
Capped 23 times, the Glaswegian has plied his trade south of the border since joining Leeds United from Livingston in 2008.
Scotland’s most-recent hat-trick hero – he netted three in a World Cup qualifying win in Malta last September – may have spent most of his adult life in England, but representing his country gives him a feeling of pride which will never leave him.
“Playing for Scotland was a dream come true for me from the very start,” added the 29-year-old, who was recently voted Scottish Football Writers’ Association International Player of the Year for 2016.
“You’re living the dream each time you pull on that jersey. It’s a special feeling and a proud moment.
“To be named International Player of the Year is special for me. It’s great that I can be there to pick it up.”
Fourth-place Scotland go into their clash with England on seven points, while unbeaten England lead Group F on 13 points. Slovakia and Slovenia sit between the two on nine and eight points respectively, all from five qualifying matches played.
The 10 June fixture with kick-off at 5pm and be screened live in the UK by both ITV and Sky Sports.