Fans urged to respect Armistice Day ahead of England-Scotland clash

Football fans have been asked to respect Armistice Day events as thousands descend on the capital for the England v Scotland World Cup qualifier.

About 14,000 Tartan Army supporters are expected to flock to London for the sell-out game at the 90,000-capacity Wembley stadium which kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday.

A Met Police spokesman said: "We are aware that in the past Scottish supporters have congregated in Trafalgar Square.

"Given the match falls on November 11, we have also been liaising with the Royal British Legion, who will be hosting their 'Silence in the Square' event in Trafalgar Square to mark Armistice Day."

Scotland Yard said it would use the football unit Twitter account (@MPSFootballUnit) to liaise with fans through the day.

Virgin trains advised supporters to book ahead and arrive early, with hundreds of additional seats added on services between Glasgow and London.

Trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow are expected to be at their busiest on Friday morning, as will return services on Saturday from Euston and King's Cross stations.

Superintendent Alex Carson, who is co-ordinating the British Transport Police (BTP) operation, said: "We want fans to enjoy themselves and for everyone to have a safe and peaceful journey, but we will have a highly visible policing presence to ensure any anti-social behaviour or crime is swiftly nipped in the bud."

Shortly before the 11am Armistice Day silence, a group of 22 servicemen from all over Scotland congregated at King's Cross.

"We travel for games as a group quite often - this year we've been to France, Prague and Malta," said Kenny Petrie, 45.

"We've never had any trouble in England, but there is more friction in Europe, like at the Euros.

"England are trying to escape the hooligan stereotype.

"We just want a peaceful game and a Scottish victory."

Most of the 22-strong group are currently serving in the Armed Forces, so today holds particular resonance.

Andy Robbins, 48, a football coach, said: "It's a double-edged sword, Remembrance Day. If anything does happen, it'll be tainted by who's to blame.

"With regards to the football, I think England expect too much."

Bars at both Euston and King's Cross, including The Scottish Stores pub, were teeming with kilt-clad members of the Tartan Army in good spirits.