The English Football Association is desperate for England to beat Scotland on Friday in a 2018 World Cup qualifying game at Wembley. Not just for the three points that would be another step along the road to Russia, but it would also mean the F.A. could rubber stamp Gareth Southgate's position as the permanent England manager.
As there is no other realistic English — the F.A.'s preferred option — alternative to Southgate even a defeat to one of the most ordinary Scotland teams in recent memory is unlikely to make any difference despite the inevitable criticism that would come with a loss.
Next Tuesday's friendly against Spain is irrelevant to the F.A. power brokers when they meet to discuss the post of England manager, though losing to a bitter rival, whose manager Gordon Strachan is hanging on to his job by his fingertips, would make things a little awkward for the F.A.