Clarke gives his backing to unlucky Marshall
SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke has defended Derby County goalkeeper David Marshall ahead of tonight’s clash with England at Wembley.
The Scots opened their European Championships campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Marshall was beaten twice by Patrick Schick, the second was a wonder goal from almost 50 yards.
The keeper was criticised by some for being too far upfield, but Clarke said: “He has faced that type of shot 50 times in his career, it’s the only time it’s gone in.
“Jack Hendry had a shot on the edge of their box and three seconds later the ball was in the back of our net.
“It was just one of those things. I don’t understand the criticism of David.”
Monday’s defeat was a deflating display that let the air out of the mood of excitement that had built up in the approach to the nation’s first major tournament since 1998. The Scots now need at least a point against England if they are to have any realistic chance of qualifying from Group D.
But having put the Tartan Army through the wringer with their battling win on penalties over Serbia in the play-offs to book their place at the tournament, John Mcginn reckons the supporters should be strapping themselves in for another nail-biting thrill ride as he backed his side to march on.
“Monday was a false start in terms of the result,” said the Aston Villa midfielder. “The important thing was to try to get at least a point and set us off in the group.
“That would have been the easy way but it never seems to happen with Scotland.
“If we had done it the easy way in Serbia it would have been a 1-0 victory and everyone would have been in their beds before midnight.
“But we decided to let Serbia get a goal and do it the tricky way. Hopefully, we can follow the same path and do it the Scottish way – or the hard way if you like.
“The manager made it clear before the group that if the first result doesn’t go our way we just focus on the next one.
“Obviously, the format gives you an opportunity for all three games but we can’t affect other scorelines or results.
“We know what’s needed at Wembley – we’ll go there for the three points and take it from there.
“Is Wembley the perfect game to bounce back with? You could say that.”
Harry Maguire has declared himself fit and available for England.
The 28-year-old centre-back is an established part of Gareth Southgate’s side, having played a key role in the Three Lions’ unforgettable run to the 2018 World Cup semifinals in Russia.
But Maguire’s availability for this summer’s Euros has been in doubt since sustaining a high ankle sprain on May 9 when Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi landed awkwardly on him.
The defender missed the rest of Manchester United’s season, including sitting out the Europa League final, and was not ready for Sunday’s Group D win against Croatia.
Maguire has been progressing ahead of schedule, though, and last week returned to full training.
“I feel good, I’ve been training now,” said the centre-back.
“Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness but I feel good. I’m back available, been training and I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked if he was desperate to start on Friday, he said: “Yeah, definitely. Obviously, it’s a big game.
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so, like I say, I’m available for the game.”