Former Scotland skipper Paul Lambert insists the pressure is all on England for Friday's 2018 World Cup qualifier at Wembley
Paul Lambert
London: Former Scotland skipper Paul Lambert insists the pressure is all on England for Friday's 2018 World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
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While the Three Lions top Group F with seven points from three games, Gordon Strachan's side are fourth on four points, three of which came from the away game in Malta.
However, Lambert, capped 40 times, believes it is England's stand-in manager Gareth Southgate who has more to be concerned about ahead of the fixture.
Wayne Rooney was dropped in England's 0-0 draw in Slovenia last month, with Dele Alli shifted into Rooney's No. 10 position. Pic/Getty Images
Speaking at a William Hill media event at Hampden Park, the former Motherwell, Celtic and Borussia Dortmund midfielder, appointed Wolves boss earlier in the week, said: "Gareth will know he can't afford Scotland to go down there and win. The pressure is all on England for this one. I think it is going to be a lot closer than people think. "Scotland versus England at any sport is unpredictable because of the nature of the two countries."
A draw beckons Scotland
"It is a huge game for Scotland and equally so for England. Anything can happen," he said. Scotland, however, are desperate for a win after a 1-1 draw with Lithuania at Hampden Park last month was followed by a 3-0 defeat in Slovakia.
Lambert hopes Strachan remains as manager even if the result goes against him. The 47-year-old former Norwich, Aston Villa and Blackburn boss said: "I do, yes, because why chop and change? It is only the last two games that have put the pressure on, if you want to call it pressure.
'Strachan can get results'
Okay, it wasn't a great result or performances in the last two games but up until then I think we had been doing okay. If we can get the result in this game, it will eradicate all this shout for change. I just hope the Scottish FA stick with him, to chop and change at every point, it is not healthy," he added. England, who lead Group F are three points ahead of the Scots. They next face Spain in a friendly.
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