Friday 11 November 2016 19:44, UK
Paul Merson believes England need to get in the faces of their Scottish opponents and pressure them with a Premier League tempo on Friday night.
The two nations clash at Wembley in a World Cup Qualifier, with the table-topping hosts three points clear of Gordon Strachan's side.
England have won their previous two meetings with Scotland but struggled to break down Slovenia in their last match and Merson fears slow build-up play could make it a comfortable evening for the visitors.
"England need to score early and I'd love them to go out and play at a really high tempo like a Premier League match," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"People love how quick and fast the Premier League is, but when they play for England everyone starts playing it across the back and for 10 minutes no-one does anything.
"If England go out and suffocate Scotland, get in their faces and play in their half, I expect us to win 3-0.
"But it's a massive football match. Any time England play at Wembley, and especially when they play Scotland, it's a big game."
Interim manager Gareth Southgate has been tipped to start Daniel Sturridge over Harry Kane in attack, with captain Wayne Rooney slightly deeper.
The Liverpool forward is yet to score a league goal this season, and Merson admits his inconsistent club form is concerning.
"I'm a big fan of Daniel Sturridge but I'm also a believer if you're not playing for your club, you shouldn't be playing for your country," he added.
"When I played, if you were not playing for your team, you were never getting in the [national] squad in a month of Sundays.
"My problem with Daniel is he keeps coming short to get the ball. If he comes short, who do we have to go beyond? That's where I think we beat Scotland.
"I don't think they have a lot of pace so if Rooney and Sturridge keep dropping short, it could be a comfortable night for the visitors."
