Scotland manager Steve Clarke says his team will be doing more than just “keeping it alive” when they take on England at Wembley.
The Scots were beaten 2-0 by the Czech Republic at Hampden Park in their opening game and now travel south to London knowing they will probably need at least a point out of pre-tournament second-favourites England to retain any chance of a last-16 place.
Clarke though insists he is not feeling any pressure to try to hold out for a draw at Wembley and avoid being knocked out of the tournament after just two games.
“There was no strain on me,” Clarke said.
“We need to get four points out of the last two games and that’s what we’re looking to do.
“It’s not about keeping it alive for the final game against Croatia. I’m only focused on ourselves.
“We need four points from the last two games and obviously we have to get something from the game tomorrow and that’s the sole focus.”
Crucially, Clarke confirmed that defender Kieran Tierney, who missed the defeat to the Czechs, would be fit for the England clash.
“He’s fit and available to play. He trained fully yesterday and today,” Clarke added on Thursday.
“Obviously something could happen overnight but we don’t expect that and we expect Kieran to be in the starting line-up.
“It’s good for Kieran, it’s good for everybody. You want all your best players available and that’s what we’ve got.
“I’m pleased for all the boys that they are fit and available. It’s a fantastic fixture to play in, a big game against one of the favourites in the tournament so we’re looking forward to it.”
McTominay believes the return to fitness of defender Kieran Tierney, who missed the Czech defeat with a niggle, is a “big deal.”
He said: “We need him back. He’s a top player and an amazing character and someone we want back in the team.
“He’s someone we need and we rely on him a lot for what he brings to the squad.
“He’s a big personality and a great character within the group.
“I don’t know if he is playing or not, but it’s exciting to see him back training and being involved again.”
McTominay has not spoken to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about the game but will visualise the proud Scot, who brought him to Old Trafford, at the side of the pitch urging Scotland on.
He said: “I’m sure he will be sat at home watching and wanting us to win and expecting us to win as well.
“I’ll have those thoughts in my head. I’ll imagine him being on the sidelines.”
McTominay is “excited” about playing against United team-mate Marcus Rashford while admitting he has not spoken to Old Trafford defender Luke Shaw about the game.
He said: “What [Rashford] has done off the pitch has been nothing short of incredible.
“The way he has conducted himself on and off the football pitch has been an absolute breath of fresh air and for myself to play against him tomorrow will be exciting. I can’t wait for it.
“It will be a strange moment, obviously, having played together for so many years.
“Since the age of eight, going through the academy at Manchester United and to be playing against each other tomorrow night will be fun.”
As for Shaw, McTominay said: “We’ve not said one word. We’ll leave that until after the game.
“I’m sure I’ll see him then and it will be nice to see him but hopefully he won’t have a smile on his face.”
Additional reporting by PA
More from i on Euro 2020
- The football nomad who became a hero for his role in saving Eriksen’s life
- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3q6UCNh
Post a Comment