1896–97 British Home Championship

Ireland came third despite conceding 14 goals and Wales finished last having picked up only one point.

England began the tournament the strongest, scoring six without reply against the Irish in Belfast with Fred Wheldon claiming a hat-trick.

Ireland recovered in the second match however, a high-scoring affair against Wales in which the Irish just claimed a 4–3 victory.

Wales too improved in their second match, forcing a draw from Scotland in Wrexham, before Scotland too improved, beating Ireland 5–1 at home to temporarily take the top of the table.

Scotland however were more than a match for the English and scored late to claim their 2–1 victory and win the trophy.