 At this time, however, it was unusual for national sides to travel far for matches and even in the 1873 England v Scotland game, the first FIFA recognised match in England, only 3 Scottish players were not from English sides Alcock decided "in order to further the interests of the Association in Scotland, it was decided that during the current season, a team should be sent to Glasgow to play a match v Scotland"

The first official (i.e.currently recognised by FIFA) international match would take place between Scotland and England on 30 November 1872.This match was played under the Football Association rules.