“It’s a simple game. It’s an all-or-nothing game,” said Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong. “What we lack is a result that gives us a boost in confidence,” said striker Bruno Petkovic. Drawn says a lot about him.”
The day before the game against Croatia, the Scots had to digest the bitter news. Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour – recently selected man of the game – fails after a positive coronavirus test. Finally: The Scottish Association confirmed to the BBC that no further close contact with Gilmour had been established. Coach Steve Clarke currently has a team of 25 players.
Most pressure from Croatia
In some form or the other, most of the pressure lies with Croatia. “The fans expect a lot, the people themselves have set the bar high,” said striker Petkovic. “It’s hard to keep up with this momentum and meet the expectations of the public, but we know it. We’ve been in such situations and a game against Scotland will give many answers.”
Team owner Zlatko Dalik was equally aggressive. “Everyone pulls us apart and puts us aside, but that’s exactly what drives us.” Promotion is only certain if the Czech Republic wins and defeats England, after which the Croatians have a better goal difference than the Czech Republic. In addition, if Croatia wins or, in the unlikely event, a draw, Croatia can still place the best of four thirds in the group for a place in the Round of 16.
For Scots, a draw or a loss means the end. In the event of a win, the “Bravehearts” would either have to expect a defeat for England and thus meet a worse goal difference than their British rivals, or fall under the top four-thirds of the group.
Ken tells Jamo
The starting position for England and the Czech Republic, both of whom have made it to the Round of 16, is more comfortable. Only the last placement in the group is still open. But English fans in particular are less interested in arithmetic games at the moment, wanting to see a solid performance from their team, which is currently well off.
First and foremost from a disappointing Harry Kane, who will also be in the starting XI against the Czech Republic, as announced by coach Gareth Southgate. Entire England is looking for the reasons for the crisis on the captain’s form.
“I know a lot of questions are being asked about him right now. But he has gone through it 100 times,” Southgate said. “He’s our most important player, no doubt about it. To see how important he is, you just have to look at his goal balance with ours.” Ken himself remains calm. “It’s time to calm down,” says the 27-year-old.
Against the Czech Republic, Kane, so to speak, could see how it worked. So far, the opponent has been able to rely on top striker Patrick Schick, who scored all three of the 1996 European champions’ goals. The one who can revive the paralyzed English attack on the wing is Jadon Sancho. Dortmund Legionnaires did not make it to the match team in the first game, in the second he sat on the bench for 90 minutes.
European Football Championship, Group D, Day 3
Starting at 9 PM (Live on ORF1):
Croatia – Scotland
Glasgow, Hampden Park, SR Rapalini (ARG)
Possible setup:
Croatia: Livakovic – Vrsaljko, Lavren, Vida, Guardiol – Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic – Ivanushek, Perisic – Petkovic
Scotland: Marshall – McTominay, Hanley, Tierney – O’Donnell, Armstrong, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson – Dykes, Adams
Start at 9 pm:
Czech Republic – England
London, Wembley-Stadion, SR Dias (POR)
Possible setup:
Czech Republic: Vaiklik – Kaufal, Selustka, Kalas, Boril – Sausek, Kral – Mesopust, Darida, Jankato – Shik
England: Pickford – James, Stones, Mings, Shaw – Phillips, Rice, Grealish – Sancho, Kane, Sterling