In March 1870, Lubbock was invited by the Wanderers' captain, C.W. Alcock to take part in a match between "England" and "Scotland". This was the first of five "pseudo-internationals" which took place before the first officially recognised international in November 1872. The match report in "The Sporting Gazette" of Saturday 12 March 1870 said "For England. . . Messrs E. Freeth and E. Lubbock were also very effective as backs", while the "Glasgow Herald" said "among the English, A. Baker, E. Lubbock and E. Freeth were the most prominent". Lubbock was one of four players to appear in all five matches.