We can learn a lot from Iceland

For many Scots, it would have been the most enjoyable 90 minutes at a European Championships ever.

For England fans, it’s the most embarrassing episode in their footballing history for quite some time.

But let’s not pretend that Iceland are nobodies which we should cast aside such as San Marino, Gibraltar or Andorra.

They have invested in their game from grassroots level and now they are reaping the rewards.

Iceland are a solid and well organised outfit who know what they are good at and showcase those talents.

They don’t try to play tika-taka football nor do they employ a physical battle on the pitch.

They are merely doing what every nation should do and playing to their strengths.

The England team which turned up on Monday night was abysmal.

Too often Roy Hodgson has tried to shoehorn players into positions they are not comfortable with and it has failed time after time.

The England team was chopping and changing in every game they played at the European Championships.

Sterling was in and out more times than an undecided voter last Thursday morning.

Iceland? Well they started with the same 11 in each of their four outings.

And it is highly likely they will be starting with the same team against France in their quarter-final.

The condescending nature of the ITV commentary team during Monday’s“giant-killing” sums up the lack of respect Iceland received from England. After taking the lead within three minutes, they looked to have already been planning how to take down the French and reach the semi-finals.

Fifiteen minutes later the tables had turned and Hodgson was on his last legs.

The fact he walked immediately after the game surprised absolutely no-one.

But the fact Iceland gave England such a stern test should also not come as a shock.

The Icelandic FA took the bold move of supporting footballers who didn’t play at the highest level.

Youngsters in Iceland have 30 full-size all-weather pitches and

Iceland FA have funded their footballers