In 1951, Scotland won the Home Championship, with Liddell scoring twice. His goal against England in a 3–2 win followed a clash of heads with Wilf Mannion that fractured the English player's cheek bone. For the 1954 World Cup, the SFA decided to authorise World Cup participation regardless of placement. After a 3–3 draw with Wales, the SFA omitted Liddell from the starting lineup and he did not accompany the team to Switzerland. Scotland struggled in the World Cup and lost their two matches 1–0 and 7–0 to Austria and Uruguay, respectively. The team's first manager, Andy Beattie, resigned in protest because of SFA interference in the selection process.