Man United striker Wayne Rooney orders England to stand up and be counted against Scotland

Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

WAYNE ROONEY has ordered England not to go running scared of Scotland.

The England captain will lead his men into the 'Battle of Britain' against Gordon Strachan's Scots at Celtic Park tonight.

Despite it being a friendly Roy Hodgson's side will face a cauldron of hate in what can be one of the most intimidating atmospheres in world football.

It is England's first game on Scottish soil in 15 years.

But Rooney has told his team-mates to stand up and be counted in front of 60,000 raucous home fans.

Man United striker Wayne Rooney orders England to stand up and be counted against Scotland
READY: Rooney, England's captain, will lead his side into the ‘Battle of Britain’

The Manchester United striker has given a pep-talk to some of the younger players in the squad and warned them what to expect.

He said: "I've played up here a few times, and you know at the start of the game... their fans will be really up for it.

"I have spoken to the younger players because it can take you by surprise. It will be a big test.

"I am excited to play in it. It will be a good game, Scotland are doing well and getting some good results.

"It will be a great test. I have played here before in the Champions League and the atmosphere is really loud and intense.

"It can be quite intimidating if you're not used to it, so I just want to make sure they're ready for it and to get them settled.

"Not to anyone in particular. Just to the younger ones in general. Everyone knows this stadium, the fans here have a great reputation of making it an intimidating place to come.

"It was when I first came out here to play, so I wanted to pass on my experience."

Rooney wants his team-mates to relish the challenge and use any abuse they receive from home fans to their advantage.

Man United striker Wayne Rooney orders England to stand up and be counted against Scotland
CLASH: Scotland's Shaun Maloney and team-mates take part in training

He added: "It can be inspiring and intimidating. I was a young lad. It was a great atmosphere before the game as you came out.

"It's a stadium with a particular atmosphere you want to experience as a player.

"It's different, the history between England and Scotland. It has more of a football feel to it.

"We've worked on stuff which we know we want to do. The manager will give us more instructions on the game, and it's down to us to put them into practice on the pitch."