BUTCHER SENSES VICTORY FOR THE COMMANDO CREW

TERRY BUTCHER has given the thumbs-up to England’s trip to a Royal Marines Commando training centre for two days of intense army drills and team bonding. And when Gareth Southgate’s men make their journey across enemy lines for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at Hampden, he predicts their surprise preparations will see them emerge with a 3-1 win. The ex-England captain has changed his tune from last November when he was highly critical of his national team ahead of their 3-0 home victory over the Scots. ‘I was a bit apprehensive about the first game at Wembley, yes,’ said Butcher. ‘I got a bit of stick for saying England’s players were wearing the Three Lions shirts like straitjackets. But it had to be said. ‘I think Gareth Southgate has changed the mentality around. He’s doing things now that are very sensible and clever. ‘I’d have loved to have gone to visit the Marines. Some people would say I played like a Marine. ‘It seems trivial but Gareth took away the players’ mobile phones and, to the modern footballer, that’s like removing an arm. ‘Gareth has tried something different and has put the players outwith their comfort zones.’ Butcher, who was Scotland No 2 under George Burley, believes that a disconnect had grown between England fans and the multi-millionaires inhabiting the jerseys. But Southgate invited former players like himself to regale the current squad with their own experiences so they could ‘understand the significance of playing for England’. Butcher added: ‘He wants former players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to come on board and tell them what representing England is really like. ‘Gareth asked if I had any words I wanted to say to the players. I just told them: “You better f ****** win!”. ‘But there has been a reconnection between players and supporters. ‘I think they had to reconnect with what playing for England means, what an honour it is. ‘Roy Hodgson had good team spirit until the car crash that was losing to Iceland at Euro 2016. It would have been good to have put the players into the marines after that game! ‘But the spirit is better now and I think England will win 3-1. I’ve always said this is our hardest game in the group. Scotland played well at Wembley.’

Terry Butcher was speaking as a guest of Mobilebet. For more information about their £10 free bet offer please visit www.mobilebet.com — terms and conditions apply. Deposit required.