Billy is hero we’ve all been waiting for
WHEN Billy Gilmour left the pitch late in the second half, the Tartan Army rose to acclaim their new hero. After affording him a standing ovation, they chanted Gilmour’s name loudly and proudly — and will have done so long into the night in London. With a performance which oozed poise, class and composure, the little midfielder typified everything that was good about Scotland at Wembley. On his first start at international level, he simply didn’t put a foot wrong. It felt like he had the ball on a string at times with the way he was knocking it around and keeping possession.
Not only that, but it’s his movement which is actually so good for a midfielder. He’s always looking over his shoulder and dropping into little pockets of space between the lines to make himself available for the ball. He also isn’t shy in coming deep and demanding the ball off the centre-halves. This was a performance which belied his tender years. The Tartan Army have a new hero and I have no doubt that Gilmour will go on to be the heartbeat of Scotland’s midfield for many years to come. We now have the tantalising prospect of Gilmour going up against Croatia’s Luka Modric on Tuesday night. Two artists in midfield. On current form, I know who I’m backing to come out on top... Scotland were by far and away the better team last night. They had the best chances and, in all honesty, David Marshall probably couldn’t believe how quiet his night was.
England just never got going at all. They were lacklustre and they were booed off at the end. I was at Wembley last night and the fans were even booing Gareth Southgate’s subs. Harry Kane barely had a kick before going off with 15 minutes to go. Barring a little 10-minute spell in the first half when England enjoyed some pressure, Scotland looked comfortable. After getting it wrong in the opener against the Czech Republic, Steve Clarke deserves huge credit for masterminding such a disciplined and tactically astute performance.
Some of the link-up play between Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney was superb. Particularly in the first half, they were causing England all sorts of problems down the left. Robertson was excellent overall. Even before a ball was kicked, you could see he had such an intense look in his eyes as he led the team out the tunnel. Tierney was also superb.
As well as the attacking threat he offered, he also made some absolutely vital tackles and interceptions. Not bad for someone who probably was only partially fit. You also have to give a special mention to Stephen O’Donnell. His confidence would definitely have taken a knock after the game against the Czechs because he simply wasn’t at the races. But he definitely stepped up to the plate last night and delivered an excellent performance for his country. He deserves a lot of credit for the way he bounced back.
He’s probably on around £1,500 a week at Motherwell. Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden have probably lost more down the back of the sofa, but O’Donnell kept them quiet all night. He had probably our best chance of the match, with his stunning volley in the first half needing a great save from Jordan Pickford to keep it out. On a different day, that could have ended up being a famous winner. But, in the end, Scotland should be delighted with the performance and result. They have restored pride and belief. It’s now perfectly set up going into the game against Croatia at Hampden. Win that and we give ourselves a great chance of going through.