England announce Scotland game

England will take on Scotland at Wembley in August 2013 as part of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations.

The FA have confirmed the match on Sunday, which revives the oldest fixture on the international calendar, first played in 1872.

England have met the 'old enemy' on 110 previous occasions, but not since November 1999 when the Scots prevailed thanks to a solitary goal from Don Hutchison.

However, it was England who advanced to Euro 2000 as they won the first leg of that play-off at Hampden Park courtesy of a Paul Scholes' brace.

The game - to be played on Wednesday, August 14 2013 - is certain to be a sell-out and is just one match in what the FA hope is a succession of high-profile fixtures to mark their anniversary.

"It will be a huge honour to lead our nation out against our oldest rivals," said England manager Roy Hodgson.

"For us, England versus Scotland is one of the finest fixtures in international football and I know what this game means to both sets of supporters.

"It will be a fitting part of The FA's 150th anniversary celebrations and the supporters, the team and my coaching staff all look forward to welcoming Scotland to Wembley Stadium next year."

The England-Scotland game could never be revived in the manner of old, through the Home Internationals and - when that was scrapped in 1984 - the ill-fated Rous Cup, which was abandoned in 1989.

However, there have been talks about the potential for a match being arranged on a more frequent basis given the huge commercial interest, and a reciprocal fixture at Hampden Park is a possibility at some point in the future.

"For any Scotland supporter, player or coach, Scotland versus England is the ultimate contest: it really is as good as it gets," said Scotland boss Craig Levein.

"I am thrilled that we have reached agreement with The FA to play at Wembley as part of their 150th Anniversary celebrations and I am sure the supporters will be there in their tens of thousands.

"Our match against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium in London last year was a tremendous spectacle and I was overwhelmed by the support we had that day.

"This is an even more mouth-watering prospect for all concerned and the players will be desperate to record another famous victory at Wembley.

"It will also be the best test possible before we resume our FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign next year."

The FA are still to put in place final plans for 2013.

They also have a February friendly date to fill and two more would be available in November should they avoid the need to enter the play-offs to claim a World Cup berth in Brazil the following summer.

There are also two match dates in June, although it has been suggested England will travel to South America to meet Brazil and Copa America winners Uruguay.

Meanwhile, as previously reported, the FA have confirmed England will face Italy in their first game of the 2012-13 season.

With Wembley unavailable due to the Olympics, the fixture will be played in Bern on August 15.

England have not faced Italy since 2002, when they lost 2-1 at Elland Road.