England defeated Scotland in their historic 150th matchup by 3-1 at the Hamdpden Park Stadium, Scotland. Bellingham, Foden and Harry Kane was all fortunate enough to register their name on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, the only Scottish goal came as an own goal by Manchester United's Harry Maguire. Scotland vs England always provided us with many memorable matches, and this was no different. It being a friendly didn't affect the intensity of the game.

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Scotland vs England

First Half

The opening minutes of the match was dominated by England as expected. The Englishmen spent most of their time in the opposition's half but they were unable to create something meaningful.

After a while Scotland, in order to win the ball against the Three Lions started to commit fouls and break the rhythm of the game. But in reply they faced Foden's powerful shot which ultimately went wide of the target.

The opportunity was created through a nice piece of efficient England pressuring. When the clock struck the 32 hour mark, Phil Foden who has been presented with numerous opportunities, was finally rewarded with a goal in the most unusual manner.

Just three minutes later, England doubled their tally through the player who can't stop scoring goals at the moment, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. It was a hard shot to save for the Scottish goalkeeper, such was the power behind it.

With Referee indicating just 1 minute of additional time, the first half came to a close and the scoreline read England 2 Scotland 1 at the Hamdpden Park Stadium.

Second Half

The second half started with an English swap of Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi at the heart of the defence. Scotland in the opening minutes of the second half tried to unsettle England by taking long shots but it didn't work.

They also put in a lot of crosses but Lewis Dunk was equal to them. England then seem to be enjoying a fair amount of possession for 10 minute or so which annoyed the home fans. When the opportunity presented itself, Kane chipped it over the bar.

At the one hour mark the Scotland manager also made two substitution to make something happen. And just after four minutes, Ryan Christie's shot from outside the box just missed the goal but it was able to give the Scottish team a lift.

It was quite evident that England haven't been as fluent as there supposed to be as as a result Scotland got one back through a Harry Maguire own goal. It was game on for Scotland.

The chances kept coming for Scotland, through Aston Villa captain John McGinn but he was unable to hit the target. On the other side of the pitch Gunn denied Eze's shot, who came off the bench was looking to make an immediate impact.

But in the end, at the 81st minute, Harry Kane, England's captain scored the third goal for England. It was a beautiful assist by Bellingham and Kane made no mistake in putting the ball in the net.

It was all done after the third England goal. They were comfortably playing the ball among themselves with no fear of getting it intercepted. Southgate made a couple of changes too, to give opportunity to some players.

The match ended with England scoring 3 goals and conceding just one against their arch rivals Scotland. Scotland vs England is a historic match they didn't fail to disappoint us despite it being a mere friendly.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham broke Wayne Rooney's record for England in Friday's 2026 World Cup World Cup Qualifiers clash against Albania. Jude helped his side to win 2-0 at the famous Wembley Stadium to collect three points. 

Bellingham started in Thomas Tuchel's first starting XI as England's boss. It was the 41st appearance of the 21-year-old. The English midfielder overtook Wayne Rooney for the most senior appearance for the England national football team at 21 or younger. The former Manchester United legend made 40 appearances.

41 - Jude Bellingham is making his 41st appearance for England, overtaking Wayne Rooney's record (40) for most games for the senior side while aged 21 or younger. Baton. pic.twitter.com/wBVzvIiFlL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2025

Jude Bellingham made his senior debut for the National side being a 17-year-old in November 2020 on his debut England triumphed with a 3-0 victory over Ireland in a friendly match. He has since made 41 appearances and scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists.

Jude Bellingham continued his good form against Albania on Friday as well. He got the ball in midfield and went past a couple of players before putting a cross for the debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and the debutant scored the goal and put his side a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.

Harry Kane scored the second goal in the 77th minute and helped the Three Lions clinch a 2-0 victory over Albania. England is now at the top of the group k of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The group also has Latvia, Serbia, and Andorra along with England and Albania.

Off to a winning start 🙌

A 2-0 success to start the Thomas Tuchel era and our @FIFAWorldCup qualifying campaign. pic.twitter.com/lXJYDIJsHA

— England (@England) March 21, 2025

While England beat Albania 2-0, Jude Bellingham spoke about things the Tuchel's managed side need to improve. Assessing his side's performance Jude said: (Via England Football)

Jude Bellingham against Albania:

- 90 minutes played
- 1 assist
- 0.43 xG
- 91% passing
- 102 touches
- 1 chance created
- 6 ground duels won
- 100% aerial duels won. pic.twitter.com/pAnrh2XGDy

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) March 21, 2025

I think we had clear ideas on what we wanted to do and how we wanted to play. We tried that as much as possible. I know it is difficult when you play against a team that sits so low and is so compact.

At times the game takes you a different direction. You want to go on the ball and move around but generally, we stuck to the plan really well. We had a really good week of training, and it was a good way to start the new era.

2024 has been a sensational year for football as the world witnessed many memorable performances that will go down in history. Many footballers have emerged as breakout stars while renowned players have continued to grace the pitch with exceptional performances.

However, some footballers have consistently performed well in 2024 with their club or country and continued to stand out among others. In this article, Sportz Point explores the five best footballers of 2024. 

Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Vinicius Jr. has been one of the most instrumental assets for Real Madrid's success in recent years. The 24-year-old Brazilian racked up loads of goals and assists for Los Blancos to enlist himself as one of the best players in 2024.

Vinicius Jr. led Madrid's attack along with Jude Bellingham to clinch the 2023-24 La Liga title, having scored 15 goals while providing 6 assists in 26 appearances. He became a walking nightmare for every defensive line-up in Europe with his sublime ball control, acceleration, and footballing skills. 

The 2023/24 Player of the Season 💫#UCL pic.twitter.com/JImV2RLKBg

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2024

However, Vinicius unleashed his ultimate best in Real Madrid's UCL-winning campaign in the 2023-24 season. He earned the UCL Player of the Season award with 11 goal contributions by his name. Vini performed well in the group games as well as in crucial knockout games; the semi-final and final, against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Although his second-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking sparked severe controversies, Vinicius Jr. had no trouble in proving himself as one of the most prolific footballers in 2024.

Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)

Lamine Yamal is certainly the most promising young talent in football discussions worldwide. Making his debut for FC Barcelona's senior team in 2023, the 17-year-old winger completed his 50th appearance for Barcelona in April 2024, becoming the youngest footballer to achieve the feat. 

However, Lamine's breakout performance for Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 is the definite highlight of his year. The Spanish teenager, who only turned 17 in July 2024, lifted the 2024 Euro as the youngest winner of the tournament. Lamine won the Young Player of the Tournament award as well, having bagged 1 goal and 4 assists in the competition.

Lamine Yamal has played in the 2023 U17 European Championship and Euro 2024 over the last 14 months.

U17 Euros:
⚽️ 4 goals
🤝 2 assists
🏆 Team of the Tournament

Euros:
⚽️ 1 goal
🤝 4 assists
🏆 Young Player of the Tournament

Shining at all levels on the big stage ✨ pic.twitter.com/iD9iJB4Lfj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 15, 2024

Lamine has added some more glory to his list of personal accolades in 2024 by winning the 2024 Golden Boy Award and the Kopa Trophy.

The youngster continued his record-breaking stint also for his club, as he became the youngest footballer to score in a Clasico game during Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in October 2024. He has been instrumental for Barcelona since the start of the 2024-25 season as well. It seems that the talented winger will continue to showcase his jaw-dropping capabilities with a football at his feet.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah has been one of the most consistent footballers for Liverpool in recent years, and now he is paving the way to enter the globe of all-time Premier League greats.

Since Arne Slot arrived in Anfield as Jurgen Klopp's successor, Salah has been a cheat code for the Reds across all competitions. Although he had a distressing start to 2024, now he has transitioned into an even more complete version of a traditional winger. 

The 'Egyptian King' has been responsible for almost 64% of the goals Liverpool scored this season in the league and UCL. It clearly shows his impeccable ability to orchestrate the attack while leading from the front. He has 20 goals and 17 assists by his name in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season. 

Another record broken by Mohamed Salah 😳📊 pic.twitter.com/RbW6qV1ftL

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) December 29, 2024

The 32-year-old forward has also hit the headlines for breaking Premier League legend Wayne Rooney's record for 36 games with a goal and an assist in a single game.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

In a world where the forwards steal all the limelight, it is simply exceptional for others to ensure themselves in consideration of the top performers without a doubt. Jude Bellingham is the kind of footballer who not only plays well but also ensures his dominance everywhere on the pitch.

Bellingham left Dortmund in 2023 and signed for Real Madrid, where he continued to elevate his footballing prowess. The Englishman finished 4th on Laliga's list of most goal contributions with 19 goals and 6 assists. Nevertheless, he was named the 2023-24 La Liga Player of the Season for his dynamic performances.

Jude Bellingham has won the 2023/24 LaLiga Player of the Season! 🚨🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/NeVcQ8kvuv

— LiveScore (@livescore) May 28, 2024

However, Bellingham could not play in his natural position in the 2024 Euros. This positional shift restricted his goalscoring proficiency but he continued to offer his physical ability, defensive quality, and accurate passing skills to help England reach the Euro final. He also came out on top to assist Cole Palmer who scored the only goal for England in the final. 

The 21-year-old youngster also received the prestigious Lareaus World Breakthrough of the Year Award for 2024 to brighten his list of individual honours. Despite finishing third in the 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking, he was certainly one of the best footballers in 2024.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane left Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 to join Bayern Munich, but he did not forget to bring his goalscoring boots to Germany. The 31-year-old striker has comfortably enlisted himself as one of the best footballers of 2024. 

The England captain not only possesses lethal finishing skills but also has brilliant positioning sense which helps him to be a very natural number nine. However, Kane found his best version in Bayern and concluded the 2023-24 Bundesliga season with his personal best tally of 36 goals which led him to win his maiden European Golden Boot trophy in 2024. 

Kane has already scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists in 20 matches in all competitions this season and continued to be one of the best footballers in 2024.

All eyes will be on Wembley as England take on Ireland in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash. As the two footballing nations collide, fans can expect a great contest today.

The Boys in Green arrive at Wembley as underdogs but with no shortage of fighting spirit. Ireland will rely on their team’s work ethic and tactical discipline to frustrate England and create opportunities on the break. Players like Evan Ferguson and Matt Doherty will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and a cutting-edge in attack.

Match Details

Match: England vs Ireland

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats 

Matches Played: 6

England wins: 2

Ireland wins: 1

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

Last time out against Republic of Ireland ⏪

👏 @JackGrealish pic.twitter.com/ADp0hbL6WB

— England (@England) November 17, 2024

England delivered a dominant display on Thursday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over former group leaders Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins, preferred over Harry Kane, struck early to open the scoring within seven minutes, followed by an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos that doubled England's advantage. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones capped off the performance with a stunning backheeled goal on his debut.

This marks England’s fourth win in five games under interim manager Lee Carsley, who will step down after Sunday’s match.

Historically, England remain unbeaten against the Republic of Ireland since their 1988 European Championship loss, though six of their last eight encounters have ended in draws

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Team News and Injury Update

Wembley 📍 pic.twitter.com/AmTSiwzFl7

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2024

England still has some key players out as a result of injury but Lee Carsely still boasts of a formidable side that can compete against Ireland to secure all 3 points while Ireland is not without any significant absentees a tough test still awaits them at Wembley.

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Possible Starting XI

England predicted XI: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.

Ireland predicted XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Szmodics, Ferguson.

England is set to face Greece in their UEFA Nations League group game scheduled to kick off at 1.15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. This match will take place at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Greece has won all four of their games, continuing their outstanding run of play. The team leads the group with 12 points and an 8-goal edge.

Despite losing one game, the Englishmen have not played poorly either, sitting second in the standings with nine points out of a possible twelve.

Fans should anticipate a very difficult match as a result of the coaching change for the English men's national team, which will bring a mix of new ideas and playing styles.

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Match Details

Match: Greece vs England

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 10

Greece wins: 1

England wins: 7

Draws: 2

Previous Records

England goals against Greece don't come much better than this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/otSsJesJD5

— England (@England) November 14, 2024

The three lions of England have always had the better of the Greek national team the UEFA Nations League matches between these sides comes after an 18 year stint of not playing against each other.

Greece got their first ever win against England last month with a narrow 2-1 result. It remains to be seen if they can repeat the same feat in this reverse fixture. With 7 wins from 10 England are the sure favourities in this game.

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Team News and Injury Updates

England

Hard work continues 💯 pic.twitter.com/P5QyDvlGJN

— England (@England) November 12, 2024

The absence of several important players, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, has delivered Lee Carsely a severe blow. Additionally, Grealish, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold, and John Stones will not be playing.

His team's setup will undoubtedly be impacted by these injuries since he will need to adjust formations and employ new tactics to guarantee his team's victory.

Greece

All set for tomorrow 🔑

Ready to give it all 🛡️for tomorrow’s match #lasttraining #weareready pic.twitter.com/8ZMPTP2hNn

— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) November 13, 2024

Luckily enough for the home team there would not be much to worry about as they are only dealing with the absence of Kourbelis and this is due to suspension and not any other reason. It is expected that they will field their strongest side.

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Possible Starting XI

England

Pickford(GK) Lewis, Guehi, Konsa, Walker, Gallagher,Gomes,  Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane

Greece

Vlachodimos(GK) Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimkas, Sopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis

After a 10-wicket defeat against Scotland in the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, Stuart Law has been sacked from his position as the Head Coach of the USA National Men's national cricket team

Dismissal of the former Australian cricketer was an inevitable outcome of the rough start in the World Cup League 2 series in Dallas. There, the USA scored just 144 runs, losing all wickets in the opener at Grand Prairie Stadium. Scotland’s Andrew Umeed scored 98*, chasing down the target within 24.5 overs .

The defeat to Scotland compounded recent challenges for the team, which entered the match after a 3-0 T20 series defeat to Nepal.

Statement from USA cricket

USA Cricket released a statement that said, "USA Cricket announced the departure of Men’s National Team Head Coach Stuart Law today."

It also added, "Law was appointed to the position in April and led the team during the USA's historic performance at this year’s T20 World Cup, where the team advanced to the Super 8 in its inaugural World Cup appearance."

The CEO of USA Cricket Johnathan Atkeison acknowledged Law's contribution to the team and accepted that it wasn't an easy decision for the board.

“Given Stuart’s contribution to the program, this was not an easy decision to make,” said Atkeison. “Unfortunately, we felt that a change was necessary for the next phase of competitive preparation.”

Stuart Law sacked despite of 2024 T20 World Cup's remarkable run

In April, Stuart Law got a three-year contract as the head coach of the team. With Law's coaching, the USA has a remarkable campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a tournament hosted by them and co-hosted by the West Indies.

The team registered a historic win against Pakistan in Dallas. Not only that, they reached the Super 8s, which had sparked thoughts of them as a probable top 4.

Stuart Law had however coached countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Afghanistan. With USA seeing a sudden upsurge under his coaching, a sudden fall in the team's result has abrupt ended his coaching tenure with the team.