Daily Express

GOAL GETTERS

Scots determined to avoid earning ‘most boring’ tag

- By Simon Bird

SCOTLAND have been told to break their Euros goal duck and avoid exiting the competitio­n as the only nation yet to score. Steve Clarke’s side have

only six shots on target to their name after playing the Czech Republic and England – and they want to avoid being dubbed the dullest team at Euro 2020.

They are still in with a chance of qualifying in a must-win game against Croatia tomorrow. They would become the first Scottish side to get out of the group stages of a tournament if they pulled it off.

Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes insisted: “We’ve got goals in this team, a hundred percent, we’ve just been unlucky in the last couple of games.

“Keepers are making good saves, the ball just hasn’t fallen where sometimes it would fall. The manager’s not worrying about it, none of us are worrying about it. The goals will come.

“And we need to score against Croatia. I’m sure the ball will hit the back of the net.”

He added defiantly: “If their keeper is making a great save, that doesn’t mean we’ve missed a chance.We’ve got goals in this squad. They’ll go in. We’re all confident.”

Scotland have had 30 efforts on goal from 72 “attacks” according to UEFA, with 18 blocked and six off target. They have had 11 corners.

Southampto­n midfielder Stuart Armstrong is keen for club colleague Che Adams to get among the goals, saying: “It would be a problem if we were not creating chances. We have had quite a few.

“It is just those fine margins that will take us to the next level and get us a goal which we do need on Tuesday.

“It is a must-win for both teams and should prove exciting and be open. There is expectatio­n on the game. It is simple for both teams. A draw is no good to anyone.”

He added: “Che was excellent at Wembley [against England]. His was a really good performanc­e against quality. I have seen that every week at Southampto­n.”

The creativity of Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour will probably be key as he goes head to head with the experience­d Luka Modric.

Armstrong said: “Billy was fantastic against England. For being such a young player to have that level of bravery and composure mixed with his quality, it was outstandin­g.

“In such a pressured environmen­t he was terrific and all the boys were delighted for him. He is a nice guy, really down to earth and is one of the boys.

“When he plays he is fantastic and he is a great addition to our squad.”

We need to score against Croatia, draw is no good

 ??  ?? FRUSTRATED: Dykes loses out to Kalvin Phillips and says the ball just isn’t bouncing for him
SO NEAR ..SO FAR
Dykes went the closest to breaking their duck with this shot against England
FRUSTRATED: Dykes loses out to Kalvin Phillips and says the ball just isn’t bouncing for him SO NEAR ..SO FAR Dykes went the closest to breaking their duck with this shot against England

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