Woods - Scotland game holds special memories

Woods in action at Hampden Park
England against Scotland will always hold special memories for goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and he hopes the Three Lions can go one better on Friday night and claim another big win at Wembley.

Woods played 43 games for his country but one of the most memorable was facing the old rivals Scotland in the Rous Cup back in May 1987.

Over 64,000 fans made it a hostile atmosphere at Hampden Park and it was even more daunting for Woods as he was playing for Rangers at the time.

England came away with a 0-0 draw but Woods said the experience will always stay with him and knows exactly what the current squad will be going through as they prepare to face a big derby encounter.

Woods said: “This game brings back a lot of memories. I played in the Rous Cup and it was nice to play in that game and not concede a goal!

“I was playing at Rangers at the time and I remember having a weird feeling going into the game as I thought I might not get a bad reception as I was playing up there.

“But when it is England against Scotland it was just as hostile as if I was not playing for Rangers. All the support that I had from the Rangers fans probably went out of the window that day!

“I will always remember the journey to the game and Scotland fans wearing their kilts and showing off their backsides to us!

“It always nice remembering the journey and seeing all the fans on the way to the ground because once you arrive, you get into the zone and completely focus on the game.

“Everybody knew the occasion and that we didn't want to lose to our old rivals. There was not any need for Bobby Robson to put any more importance on it. We had done all our preparation and we obviously got a few butterflies going out there, but once the game started we were fully focused on trying to win the game.

“Scotland wanted to show that the English league is not miles ahead of them and England were hoping to show they were better. It just added more spice to the game.

“The game finished 0-0 and I remember Charlie Nicholas hitting the bar but we came away with a draw and you could see how much it meant to both sets of supporters.

“It promises to be another great game on Friday and I hope England can get the right result.”

Woods has nothing but praise for Aaron Cresswell getting his maiden call-up to the England squad and hopes this is the start of a long international career for the talented full-back.

Woods added: “He has kept working hard and we have obviously changed the system recently and pushed him a bit further forward.

“The balls that he puts in are so dangerous and it is a great asset to have for the team.

“It is great news for Aaron to be included in the squad and hopefully it is the start of a long international career for him.”