Scott Brown named in Scotland squad to face England
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The Celtic captain retired from international duty in August, citing fitness issues over the demands of playing at the highest level for both club and country.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHowever, it emerged last week the 31-year-old was considering a change of heart, and reached out to national team coach Gordon Strachan about playing in the crucial World Cup qualifier against England.
Without Brown, Scotland have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three games, though qualification for Russia 2018 already looks unlikely following a poor home draw with Lithuania and a 3-0 defeat in Slovakia.
A positive result against England would go a long way to getting the campaign back on track. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said he believed Brown would return for this one match only.
Elsewhere in the squad, Stephen Kingsley returns to the fold to help cover the injuries sustained to Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney. The Swansea left-back will fight it out with Rangers captain Lee Wallace fort the starting left-back role.
Robert Snodgrass has been named in the 25-man squad despite recovering from an ankle injury. It is hoped he’ll be fit in time to face the Auld Enemy.
There is no place for Rangers winger Barrie McKay. The youngster has suffered through an indifferent start to this season and has dropped out after being named in the previous three squads.
There is a spot for Hibs midfielder John McGinn. The 22-year-old retains his place ahead of Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie and in-form Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong.