A superb atmosphere greeted the two teams for this prestige 'friendly' match between two old enemies.  From an England perspective it turned out to be a wonderful night of football.  Right from the start they were on the front foot and after three minutes Gary Cahill had a clear header from a corner, but could only put it wide.  It set the tone though, for the rest of the match.

England had their best start for ages and they were confidently passing the ball around with Jack Wilshere very much the hub of the midfield.  Only five minutes had passed when Danny Welbeck saw his shot saved.  Then Wilshere so nearly put Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in as England kept up the pressure.  At the other end a lapse of concentration at a corner almost let in Steven Whittaker, but his shot was blocked by Cahill.  With 25 minutes gone England were very much in control, as good passing, plenty of possession and a willingness to win the ball back when they lost it all contributed to a very dominant opening quarter.  It was certainly a blood and thunder game, so typical of this fixture, and credit to the referee for allowing the play to flow despite some crunching challenges.

Wilshere tried a couple of long passes, which almost came off and then, on 32 minutes, came a superb goal from England.  James Milner found Wilshere on the left and this time his long pass was perfectly flighted for the onrushing Oxlade-Chamberlain to deftly head wide of David Marshall leaving the goalkeeper helpless. 

England were cock-a-hoop and another splendid move almost set up the lively Welbeck, only for him to lose control of the ball at the vital moment.  At the other end Scotland probed, but didn't test Fraser Forster once as the goalkeeper enjoyed his visit to his old stamping ground.  With Cahill and the very impressive Chris Smalling totally dominant in the middle and the two full-backs confident on the ball in both attack and defence it was always going to be difficult for the Scots to make any headway.  One shot by Shaun Maloney was high, wide and not so handsome, and that was one of their better chances.  A Scotland corner almost led to another England goal as the visitors broke swiftly, and all in all it was a terrific half for England who thoroughly deserved their lead at the break.  Scotland reached half-time struggling to cope with the extra class on show from those 'pesky Southerners'.

Several substitutions were made at half-time with Adam Lallana coming on for the disappointing Stewart Downing, and Phil Jagielka replacing Cahill for England, whilst Scotland brought on Darren Fletcher, James Morrison and goalkeeper Craig Gordon.  For the latter it was soon a nightmare scenario as England scored with virtually their first attack of the half.  Oxlade-Chamberlain was cynically taken out by Charlie Mulgrew as the Arsenal winger broke clear.  The Scot was lucky to only see yellow for that foul.  But England made him pay in a much better way.  Milner's free-kick, was half cleared by Fletcher, only for Wilshere to fire the ball back across goal, the ball bounced off Andy Robertson, straight towards Wayne Rooney who quickly reacted and guided a lovely header past the unfortunate Gordon.  Just the start to the half that England wanted, but the last thing the Scots wanted to see.

Scotland tried to come back and won a corner on 51 minutes.  Martin Russell sent a looping header towards goal but Forster easily tipped the ball over for his first meaningful contribution to the game.  England pressed again and Rooney's dangerous low cross into the box was gathered by Gordon.  Milner then teed up Rooney again and the England skipper was working his socks off, his workrate was phenomenal.  This time though his shot was easily saved.  On 57 minutes an England corner saw a header from Smalling go wide, he might have done better with that effort, but as the game wore on Rooney's contribution was outstanding and his pressing and harrying led by example.  It was without doubt one of his best games for his country.

Scotland made more substitutions but to no avail really as by this time England had almost total control.  On 64 minutes Rooney had another shot, before Luke Shaw went off to be replaced by Kieran Gibbs.  Shaw had played well but had taken a bit of a battering from some of the Scottish challenges, but he kept his cool and it was a great learning curve for him in this hostile environment.  On the other side Nathaniel Clyne had a marvellous game and to be honest the right-back berth can be solved for years if he keeps up this form.  Raheem Sterling came on for Welbeck, who had certainly given the Scots defence a tough time with his willing running and powerful play.  One of the most pleasing features of England's performance was their willingness to win the ball back quickly when possession was lost.  Both Wilshere and Smalling had their best games in an England shirt and as the time slipped away for the Scots it appeared to be an easy win for England.

But with just seven minutes to go Scotland put the cat amongst the pigeons by somehow creating a decent chance and scoring from it.  The goal stemmed from Andy Robertson, who surged forward at pace played a one-two and neatly slotted the ball past Forster at his near post.  It was the first time the England defenders had lost concentration and it almost proved disastrous.  But within two minutes the two goal advantage had deservedly been restored by a fabulous third goal.  Lovely one touch play on the right involving Milner, substitute Ricky Lambert and Adam Lallana ended with Milner finding Lallana, and from his pull back across goal, there was Rooney to sweep the ball into the net for his 46th [ed:45th] England goal.  No wonder he did a cartwheel in celebration!

And that was it really, as England saw out the remaining minutes with ease and a most impressive win was under their belts.  Some fine performances by all the players, with Milner and Wilshere dominating the midfield and Rooney giving a man-of-the-match display.

Over recent internationals I have not enjoyed writing the England reports so much, even though they have been winning, but this one was a little bit special.  Not only was it an excellent all round performance, but we beat the Scots in their own backyard.  It doesn't get much better than that.