Scots lots better now
SLOVAKIA SCOTLAND
GARETH SOUTHGATE insists Scotland are a different animal under Steve Clarke with his stars plying their trade at the UK’s biggest clubs.
The England boss is gearing up for a Tartan Army invasion at Wembley for June’s Euro 2020 showdown.
He was delighted to see Clarke’s team qualify on Thursday night against Serbia and praised the Scotland gaffer’s impact.
Southgate insists Scotland are a stronger side than the one he faced at Hampden three years ago in a 2-2 draw.
And he believes that as well as Clarke’s managerial skills, it’s down to a batch of Scotland players now performing with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa, as well as Celtic and Rangers.
The England coach said: “I’m a big fan of Steve, he’s a super guy and an excellent coach.
“Whenever I’ve seen his teams play, going back to when he was at Reading, they’ve been outstanding.
“He’s done a tremendous job with Scotland. And he’s come in at a time when there are players emerging who are making Scotland stronger.
“John McGinn, Scott
McTominay, obviously Andy Robertson, and Kieran Tierney are all playing in big matches in the Premier League.
“And of course, the boys at Rangers and Celtic who are having big experiences in Europe at their clubs.
“They’re all playing at big clubs under pressure.
“So the team has certainly improved an enormous amount and Steve deserves credit for that.”
Southgate (above) has been involved in Auld Enemy clashes both as a player and as a manager.
At Euro 96 in England, he was in Terry Venables’ line-up when Paul Gascoigne scored a wonder goal to beat the Scots 2-1.
He was also involved in the narrow Euro 2000 play-off victory, and as gaffer, he’ll never forget the day at Hampden in 2017 when Leigh Griffiths’ two free-kick strikes almost sealed a win for Gordon Strachan’s boys.
Southgate admits he can’t wait to lock horns with Clarke on June 18.
He said: “We just have to keep our fingers crossed crowds are allowed back into the stadium by then.”