DREAM OVER FOR OUR BRAVE BABES

SCOT GEMMILL last night blamed fine lines rather than fatigue after Scotland’s Toulon Tournament hopes were crushed by England.

The Under-20s manager, right, watched the Three Lions outclass his side with a 3-0 semi-final win in Stade Parsemain.

England rested nine players for their final group game having already reached the last four and had two days extra to prepare.

Gemmill said: “Of course we were conscious of the extra days’ rest – it’s in the mix but it’s not the reason why we lost. You have to

give their players credit. It’s a real example of the fine lines at this level.

“We knew we were playing a top team with dangerous players who could score those sorts of goals. You have to give England credit for taking their chances in such a clinical manner.

“We weren’t quite good enough to stop England scoring those goals. In terms of our shape, our preparation and game plan, the players executed it. It came down to a couple of chances and England took them while restricting us to a couple.

“There wasn’t a lot in the game except those moments when England came up with the goals and defensively we needed to do better.”

Harvey Barnes, who has played for Leicester in the Champions League, scored twice with Elliot Embleton also on target.

Scotland lost Ross McCrorie to a first-half head knock and Gemmill said: “We couldn’t take a risk. He was unconscious so the doctor made the decision and that’s that.”

But Gemmill insisted skipper Oliver Burke was fully fit after returning from an ankle knock.

He said: “We worked hard to stop England and recovered the ball.

“But when you have the ball you have to be better, pick passes and be able to play under pressure in tight spaces.”

Scotland can finish third with a win over the Czech Republic tomorrow and Gemmill added: “I’m so proud of them for getting us to this position.

“We’re disappointed but have to move on.”