England's selectors found encouragement here tonight in the first representative match played in this country under floodlights. I should love to see the game again under more suitable conditions. The ground, watery on top at first, slowly turned to ice until, at the end, it resembled a skating rink.
It would be unfair, under such conditions, to criticise any of the players. So let us note the encouraging signs.
Roger Byrne showed he is a great left-back ready for the highest honours and Eric Bell, at left-half staked a claim for an England cap. In the forward line Harry Hooper, Ron Allen, Johnny Haynes and Brian Pilkington justified their places and raised hopes for England's future. Allen was a clever, lively leader, flashing neat passes and firing at goal at every chance. But I liked best of all the clever footwork of Haynes and Hooper. They should be members, with Allen, of our World Cup party next summer. I admired the adaptability of this young, new England, trying to play first-class Soccer and moving smartly into position.
The Scottish selectors too, have reasons to be pleased. Young John Aird, at full-back, showed skill and resourcefulness, while wing half-backs Jimmy Dudley and Johnny Cumming excelled both in defence and attack. The red-haired Cumming put up a great show. Inside-right Willie Fernie initiated most of Scotland's attacks. He will get more chances. Jock Henderson, fast and direct, also forced himself to the front. But I was sorry for Johnny Dick. The big inside-left was beaten by the conditions.
It took the players 20 minutes to find their feet on greasy turf that became treacherous. Nether goalkeeper had a shot during that period. Henderson provided Mochan with an easy chance but he shot over from six yards.
Scotland switched their full-backs, Haughney and Aird, in the second half when England's forwards forced the pace. Anderson saved brilliantly from Revie and Allen sent a great shot inches wide. The first Scottish attack in this half brought a goal. Fernie, I thought, nudged the ball down with his arm to Cumming, who beat Wood with a low 20-yard shot. A linesman flagged for hands, but the Irish referee, J. Davidson, allowed the goal.
Revie went off with a cut eye and the Scots had more of the play, which did not reach international standard. Henderson made one solo run that was worth a goal. England's equaliser in the 23rd minute was not. Anderson looked to have the shot by Hooper covered but allowed it to pass under his body. With 15 minutes to play Revie came back at outside-right. England then got right on top, but could not beat a dour Scottish defence.
The attendance was only 21,048 but Sir Stanley Rous, secretary of the F.A. said: "When more than 20,000 people will turn out on such a night it is obvious there must be possibilities in floodlighting."