Scotland v England: the oldest football international in the world

Early action between Scotland and England, published in 1875 in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. Robert Gardner, captain of Scotland in 1872, is the bearded goalkeeper on the left.

The world's first international football match took place in Partick, near Glasgow, on 30 November 1872 between teams representing Scotland and England.

On these pages you can read about this contest and the birth of a rivalry that is as vibrant today as it ever was.

England v Scotland 1870: the 'unofficial' series begins
Scotland v England 1872: the first 'official' international
England v Scotland 1873: the return in London
Scotland v England 1874: Scotland's first victory

The full story is in my book First Elevens, which reveals the origins of the Scotland v England match and gives a unique insight into the men who made it happen.

Ticket to the first match and (right) JJ Thomson's Scotland cap. Both are on display at the Scottish Football Museum.