Lambert heads England to victory against Scotland

Rickie Lambert scored with his first touch in international football to earn England a 3-2 friendly victory against Scotland.

The hosts were twice behind against their rivals from north of the border, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck cancelling out efforts from James Morrison and Kenny Miller. However, the night belonged to Southampton FC striker Lambert, 31, who came on to make his senior debut midway through the second half. Less than three minutes later he had his first goal, meeting a Leighton Baines corner with a bullet header.

Scotland had won the two teams' last meeting, winning 1-0 at Wembley but still suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the UEFA EURO 2000 play-offs. The visitors would have been envisaging a similar outcome in north London this time around when Morrison's long-range shot squeezed through Joe Hart's grasp after 11 minutes.

Roy Hodgson's side, though, found their feet and were level on the half-hour, Walcott racing on to Tom Cleverley's through ball and sliding his finish inside goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Scotland remained unperturbed and were back in front soon after the interval thanks to a splendid turn and finish from experienced forward Kenny Miller.

Gordon Strachan's team's lead was wiped out even sooner on this occasion, Welbeck beating McGregor with a header from Steven Gerrard's free-kick. The Hull City AFC keeper was beaten again with 20 minutes remaining, Scotland undone by a set piece once more. Baines this time provided the delivery, Lambert the finish. The burly striker went close twice more in the closing stages, but England had done enough on a memorable night for Lambert.