The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Players who hope to be Hampden heroes
With so much at stake for Scotland against England in this evening’s World Cup qualifier, our football writer Ian Roache looks at the men who hope to become Hampden heroes
The Scots will line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation this evening, as will their opponents.
Precisely because so much hangs on the outcome for both the country and manager Gordon Strachan himself, I believe he will pick the same starting line-up that kicked off against Slovenia in March. The team will be: Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon. The Celtic No 1 will be the first of half-a-dozen Hoops players in the side. Usually a safe pair of hands, he could be really up against it considering the firepower England will have in their team. I expect Gordon to be kept extremely busy. Opposite number: Joe Hart.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson. It speaks volumes for the former Dundee United man that he will be first pick at left-back ahead of man-of-the-moment Kieran Tierney. Expected to move to one of the English Premier League’s giants this summer, a strong display will help get the cheque books out. Hopefully, he will be on the front foot and the Scots can exploit his crossing ability. Opposite number: Ryan Bertrand.
Right-back: Kieran Tierney. The 20-yearold has had a brilliant season at Celtic Park and if Scotland win then he will have praised heaped on him for playing with a facial injury. The gum shield will, it is hoped, protect him during the Hampden hurly-burly and, as with Robertson, you will know how well the Scots are doing by how often you see him attacking rather than defending. Opposite number: Kyle Walker.
Centre-back: Russell Martin. The central defenders might face a torrid time from Harry Kane and Co but they did cope well with Slovenia last time around, Martin included. Uppermost in minds will be the fact that England scored three goals from headers when the teams met at Wembley in November so he must stay switched on. Opposite number: Gary Cahill.
Centre-back: Charlie Mulgrew. It is at the back that the gulf in quality between the teams appears to be greatest. Mulgrew plays at Blackburn Rovers, who were relegated to England’s third tier last month, while Cahill and John Stones are at the cash-laden Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. That won’t bother Mulgrew, though, and he did cope with Lionel Messi when Celtic defeated Barcelona in 2012. Opposite number: John Stones.
Centre midfield: Scott Brown. The captain and leader could not be in better form or frame of mind going into this game. Fresh from an all-conquering domestic season with Celtic, he will relish this biggest of occasions. He will need to keep his discipline, though, with the midfield battle likely to be frenzied at times. If he has a bad day then Scotland really will be in trouble. Opposite number: Eric Dier.
Centre midfield: James Morrison. Made his name against Slovenia as the man who made way for super sub Christ Martin but the West Bromwich Albion player is still likely to start against England. The Scots need all the EPL experience they can get and you normally get a decent shift out of Morrison. Opposite number: Adam Lallana.
Right wide: James Forrest. Strachan kept the Celtic winger on for the full 90 minutes against the Slovenians and he will get the nod again this time. Like so many others in this team, he has had a great season at Parkhead and is someone who can get the supporters off their seats. Can get detached from the action so needs to get on the ball early. Opposite number: Raheem Sterling.
Left wide: Robert Snodgrass. Always good for a goal and, of course, has that invaluable Premier League experience with Norwich, Hull City and, most recently, West Ham. One of the players least likely to be fazed by the occasion, if Snodgrass is in the mood then things can happen for the Scots. Opposite number: Marcus Rashford.
Advanced midfield: Stuart Armstrong. Another former Dundee United man who looks comfortable in dark blue. Was paid a huge compliment by his manager when he described his debut against Slovenia as one of the best he had seen. Significantly, it was a piece of magic from Armstrong that set up the winner for Martin. Opposite number: Dele Alli.
Centre forward: Leigh Griffiths. The wisdom of playing a striker who has yet to score for his country can be questioned but I feel Strachan will stick by the Celtic man. Griffiths should have broken his duck against Slovenia and will need to decent service if he is to make an impact. Opposite number: Harry Kane.
Score prediction: Scotland 1 England 2.