ENGLAND 2 TO RALLY
was the cream of European talent, players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Isco and co. Players who know how to deliver on the big stage. They’re all older and more experienced than Alli, of course. But if England are going to make any significant steps at the World Cup in Russia next summer, Southgate and the nation will expect Alli to be at the sharp end – not disappearing when England need his input. In his defence, Alli wasn’t the only one of Southgate’s stars to be dragged into a low-quality dogfight that would always favour a Scotland side desperate to snuff out England’s danger-men. As kick-off approached, Hampden tried to evoke the spirit of a past time when Scottish football wasn’t quite on its knees.
The Tartan Army cheered as the video screens showed a montage of goals against England from iconic Scotsmen such as Kenny Dalglish and Billy Bremner and, more latterly, Don Hutchison and Kenny Miller.
That, and the usual rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland, seemed to do the trick too, as Strachan’s stars flew out of the traps.
Maybe it was pumped-up nationalistic pride – or more likely Scotland knew they were in the last chance saloon for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Either way, they gave England an uncomfortable opening 10 minutes even if at the end of the hurly-burly examination the main task for Joe Hart had been to call for a cap to cope with a dazzling sun.
Both sides huffed and puffed in an atmosphere that crackled with hostility.
But when England finally made the breakthrough with a smartly-taken strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, minutes after coming off the bench for an impressive cameo, it seemed Scotland were down and out.
But two remarkable free-kicks of pure quality from Leigh Griffiths showed exactly why Hart’s stock has slipped and England were staring at defeat.
Yet Kane, who else, came to the rescue.
And until Alli delivers on his talent, it will always be White Hart Lane pal Kane who will be England’s most valuable player.