SCOTLAND face England in the semi-final of the Toulon Tournament today in the first part of a three-day Auld Enemy double-header.

And Nottingham Forest defender Alex Iacovitti insists Scot Gemmill’s side can make history by winning it for the first time.

The young Scots have stormed to the semi-finals for the first time in 23 years, after wins over Brazil and Indonesia – while hosts France, Wales, Japan and the Brazilians have all been eliminated.

Gemmill’s side face holders England in Fos-Sur-Mer 48 hours before the massive World Cup showdown at Hampden on Saturday between the two senior sides.

England are favourites, but have been weakened by their own success at youth level because they will play in the Under-20s World Cup semi-final against Italy today – and Euro Under-19s Finals next month. 

It means boss Neil Dewsnip has picked a younger squad than usual with a few quality, older additions, like George Hirst, son of former Sheffield Wednesday striker David, and Iacovitti’s team-mate Joe Worrall.

Iacovitti, who is being coached by David Weir, assistant to former Rangers manager Mark Warburton at Forest, is desperate to go all the way for the first time since the tournament began in 1974.

He said: “I want to win this tournament now and make history. I don’t want the Brazil win to be the highlight now we’ve got this far. England are a big team like Brazil and if we execute the gameplan as we did against Brazil, we have a good chance. 

“I’ve played against a few of their boys before and we’re more than capable of beating them. It’s amazing this is just before the World Cup game on Saturday. If we could both get the win, it would be crazy back home and so hopefully we can do it for the people in Scotland. 

“We knew Toulon was a big tournament, but perhaps there wasn’t the same level of interest at the start. Once we beat Brazil and got to the semis people have started to realise we are a good team and can go all the way.”

Scotland will be boosted by the return of £13 million RB Leipzig star Oliver Burke and Iacovitti believes that could be key. 

He said: “You can’t be a bad player if you play for a team second in the Bundesliga. They will be frightened of him. He’s improved since he left Forest technically. When you come up against someone like that, he makes others nervous.

“I’ve played with Joe at the back for Forest since I was 13. I know his game, he knows mine. It will be weird playing against him.”

Meanwhile, Gemmill urged his kids not to be overawed by the occasion when they face England.

He said: “We grew up looking forward to those games and being a part of those games. It’s a big occasion for the players.

England boss Dewsnip, an Everton coach for over 20 years, is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances.

He said: “I knew Scot very well at Everton. I took a coaching course when Scot started to coach. We will remain good friends until the kick off against Scotland!”