INTERNATIONAL football will return to the Riverside in October when Middlesbrough’s home plays host to England Under-21s’ European Championship qualifier with Scotland.

The ‘Battle of Britain’ encounter will take place on Friday, October 6, with Aidy Boothroyd’s side looking to make a strong start to their latest round of qualifiers, which begin in September.

England Under-21s enjoyed a successful summer as they made the semi-finals of the European Championships in Poland, with their run coming to an end when they lost on penalties to Germany in the last four.

Five members of the team that started that game will be eligible for the next round of qualifiers, and Boothroyd could opt to call on the likes of Middlesbrough duo Dael Fry and Harry Chapman, and Newcastle duo Freddie Woodman and Adam Armstrong, who were part of the England Under-20s side that won the World Cup this summer.

England Under-21s’ last outing at the Riverside came in March 2015, and saw Gareth Southgate’s team claim a 3-2 win over Germany.

Middlesbrough chief operating officer Mark Ellis said: “The club is delighted to have been asked to host another England international, following on from the success of the game against Germany.

“We hope that the people of Teesside will once again come out in force to support the Young Lions in their UEFA qualifier.”

Tickets for October’s game with Scotland are on sale now, priced £10 for adults and £5 for Under-18s, Over-65s and students. Middlesbrough season-card holders can buy discounted tickets, priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for Over-65s and Under-18s.