Lambert 'dreamed' of debut goal

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert said his England debut goal was a moment he had been "dreaming of" his whole life. Lambert scored with his first touch as England beat Scotland 3-2 at Wembley.

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From beetroot to Wembley: The rise of Rickie Lambert

Striker Rickie Lambert scored with the first touch of his international career to give England victory over old rivals Scotland at Wembley last night, completing a fairytale journey to British football's pinnacle that began in a Merseyside beetroot factory.

We chart Lambert's rise to the top:

  • Lambert is rejected by hometown club Liverpool at 15, then released by Blackpool at 18
  • Unable to find a club, he takes a job putting the lids on jars of beetroot
  • Lambert eventually signs for Macclesfield and later finds success in the lower leagues with Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers
  • The striker's good form earns him a £1 million move to Southampton
  • At the age of 29, Lambert reaches England's second tier for the first time as the Saints win promotion
  • Southampton are then promoted to the Premier League at the first attempt and Lambert is a surprise package - scoring 15 goals
  • He earns a call-up for England's match against Scotland, saying he is "playing it cool but really excited"
  • The 31-year-old makes his debut as a 66th-minute substitute - moments later he scores with his first touch to give England a 3-2 win.
  • Lambert says: "I've been dreaming of it my whole life."

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Anticipation builds ahead of England v Scotland game

Scottish football fans are continuing to descend on London ahead of the much-anticipated clash between England and Scotland at Wembley tonight.

Washing-up liquid was added to the water in the fountains as Scottish supporters took over Trafalgar Square and spent the day partying.

Washing-up liquid was added to the water in the fountains as Scottish supporters took over Trafalgar Square. Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Travelling Scotland supporter, Michael Connell, said: "If we win, there will be a party. If we lose there will be an even bigger party but it will have been after 90 minutes of inconvenience."

Fans gather in Trafalgar Square, London Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
A Scotland fan slides down railings outside Wembley Park underground station before the International Friendly at Wembley Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

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Scotland fan arrested for naked dance in fountain

A Scotland fan has been arrested for being drunk and disorderly after allegedly dancing naked in a fountain in Trafalgar Square.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "At approximately 3.20pm today police arrested a 23-year-old man for being drunk and disorderly after he was spotted dancing naked in the fountain at Trafalgar Square. He was taken to Charing Cross police station where he remains in custody."

Scottish football supporters have descended on Trafalgar Square ahead of tonight's match against England at Wembley.

Scotland fans start swimming in Trafalgar Square

Scotland supporters cool off in Trafalgar Square Credit: ITV

Scotland fans have cooled off from the hot weather in London by swimming in fountains at Trafalgar Square.

Hundreds of fans are gathering in central London ahead of their team's friendly tonight - and mingling with rival fans.

Relations between the Scotland and England supporters have been cordial Credit: ITV

Scotland fans settle in ahead of England match

Scotland fans are gathering in their hundreds at Trafalgar Square Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Hundreds of Scotland fans are making their way to London ahead of this evening's friendly match against England. The Tartan Army have set up residence in Trafalgar Square.

Many Scotland supporters are getting well lubricated ahead of the game Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Scotland fans enjoying the sunshine in Trafalgar Square Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
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