In the build-up to Wednesday’s highly-anticipated international friendly between cross-border rivals Scotland and England, Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Kenny Miller said he just wanted to play some part in the match.
He got his wish – and then some.
Making his first-ever appearance against England, the 33-year-old striker scored a spectacular second-half marker in front of a near sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium.
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Unfortunately for Miller and the Scots, it was in a losing effort as the star-studded English squad walked away with a 3-2 victory in the 111th all-time meeting between the two countries.
"Obviously, the dream is that it’s a winner and maybe in the last minute," Miller told BBC Scotland after the match. "I’m delighted to get the goal, but it would have meant a lot more if it was a goal that was part of a draw or a win."
With the score level at halftime, the 'Caps alternate captain made his mark in the 49th minute. After receiving a pass at the top of the box with his back to goal, Miller shrugged off English defender Gary Cahill (Chelsea), turned and let loose a low left-footed strike that beat goalkeeper Joe Hart (Manchester City) to give Scotland a 2-1 advantage.
It was his 18th goal for the Scottish national team in 69 career appearances.
Miller was subbed off in the 73rd minute after starting the match as Scotland’s lone striker. He was the only player on either side who does not currently play for a team in a Scottish or English league.
England’s squad featured the likes of Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) – among other English Premier League veterans.
Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), and Rickie Lambert (Southampton) found the back of the net for England, while James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion) scored Scotland’s first goal.
