Home Scots v Anglo-Scots

The development of tactics, styles and practices was evidenced in matches between the national teams from the first unofficial meetings in 1870 followed by the first official international in 1872, through the adaption of the combination game (passing).

[2][8] By 1896 Scotland had not beaten England in six attempts (analysis by the Glasgow Herald in 1894 regarding their chances to "regain the lost prestige" being particularly pessimistic in tone)[9] and it was decided to allow English-based players to be considered for selection.

Let Scotland stand or fall by her native and resident resources"[16] (the 'events' centred around a defeat to England in which captain Jimmy Cowan, one of four 'Anglos' in the side and possibly the most successful addition from the process up to that point, played very poorly and was alleged to be hungover from alcohol).

[17][18] The enduring hostile attitude of the Scottish public towards England-based players was demonstrated by an open letter written by team captain Alex Raisbeck in 1907 defending their commitment in the face of public criticism that so many were being selected[19] (following a clear Anglo victory in the trial match, nine of the team that played England at St James' Park that year were based in that country, with the other two from Hearts, meaning that for the first time – in the 97th full Scotland international – no Glasgow clubs were represented).

[20] Despite the misgivings in some quarters, the annual springtime 'Home Scots v Anglo-Scots' matches – played in Glasgow and attended by crowds into five figures (with the sole exception of its second edition in 1897 at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh)[21] – continued until the mid-1920s, interrupted only by World War I when official international football was suspended.

[42] Having already gone on tour to North America in 1927, the SFA opted to repeat the practice in 1935 and 1939 to test their candidates rather than arrange trials, and also began to organise an increasing number of friendly matches against European opponents at home and abroad, with 15 played between summer 1929 and the outbreak of World War II in autumn 1939.