Berra is sure Kane won’t need a spur
ENGLAND’S attack boasts a lot of good — maybe even great — footballers, obviously. But that’s not what worries Christophe Berra. Skill and strength, he can just about handle.
But the attitude brought to every single game by the likes of Harry Kane. That’s where the real danger lies.
As Scotland’s best footballers start building up for an Auld Enemy World Cup clash at Hampden, they’ll no doubt read and hear plenty about the qualities of the opposition for this Group F fixture.
Just don’t for a minute buy any of the spin suggesting this one will be like Rocky Balboa versus Apollo Creed, the arrogant champ turning up for a fun exhibition while the underdog prepares for all-out war.
Returning Hearts defender Berra, having spent most of his playing career south of the Border, understands why — especially in this group, with England already well clear and the Scots fighting for their lives — some believe that Gordon Strachan’s men will want it more.
‘Some people say that,’ admitted Berra. ‘Technically, yes, you can see why some pundits might believe that.
‘But don’t tell me it doesn’t mean as much to England. These players are playing at a high level for a reason.
‘They go out to produce in every game and they play for the best teams in the league. They have their own personal pride.
‘They aren’t there because they slack off, they are there because they’re good professionals. They’ll know what they’re up for — and I’m sure the manager will have them well drilled.
‘It’s going to be a tough game. Their squad is littered with topclass players.
‘We will no doubt go in as the underdogs as usual. But it’s at Hampden and we’ve had big results there before. Why can’t we do it again?’
In response to the most pressing enquiry facing any Scotland defender, namely how to stop Spurs striker Harry Kane — a danger man coming off the back of a 35-goal season that saw him secure the Premier League’s coveted Golden Boot — Berra is blunt.
‘Good question,’ said the 32-year-old. ‘After his first season, when he scored lots of goals, people were questioning whether he could do it again.
‘I think he’s now done it three seasons in a row, so he’s a top player. He’s played in a great Tottenham side with a lot of good, young, English players who will no doubt be in England’s starting line-up.
‘We’re going to need to be at 110 per cent and maybe have a bit of lady luck on our side.
‘Hopefully we get off to a good start with a good performance on the front foot and make Hampden an intimidating place.
‘Top strikers are special for a reason. They have instincts that are different to everyone else.
‘You aren’t going to dominate a striker for the whole 90 minutes, you just try to do it for as long as possible.
‘And, if he does get a chance, you hope the keeper — or a fellow defender — is there to pull you out the s***!’
Scotland have skirted pretty close to the wind for much of this campaign, with a home win over Slovenia last time out leaving Strachan’s side still in fourth place — albeit only a couple of points behind second-placed Slovakia.
A 3-0 defeat at Wembley last November didn’t help the cause, with the fact all three goals came from headers merely adding insult to injury.
Berra insisted: ‘It’s all to play for. If we win, it gives the table a whole new outlook, and changes the way the fans and press are thinking.
‘Can we beat them? Definitely. It’s a one-off game, a cup final, it’s Scotland-England.
‘Losing goals from headers is something the gaffer will work on. If we play well, it will take care of itself.’