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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Every word of Jose Mourinho's Scotland love letter as Special One hails Gilmour and Co

Legendary football manager Jose Mourinho admits he is now a Scotland supporter for life after watching their brilliant display against England.

The Special One was almost lost for words as he saluted the efforts of Steve Clarke' s side in the 0-0 draw at Wembley.

Roma boss Mourinho is working for talkSPORT at Euro 2020 and he sees no reason why his former Chelsea No.2 and the Scotland players can't reach the last 16.

They face Croatia in what looks like a winner takes all clash at Hampden and he believes our boys are good enough to win and advance.

Here is every word of the multi-time Champions League winners praise for the Scotland heroes.

(Getty Images)

He said: "I think they were amazing. Tierney, Gilmour and Adams, they didn’t play the last match, but they made the difference.

"They played again with five at the back, but Scott McTominay is a midfield player; he can build. Tierney is a left-back player; he can build. Hanley, is in my opinion, much more comfortable playing in the middle than on the right. He was solid, but at the same time they had more possession and were more fluid with the ball.

"Gilmour, he made the difference. He was fantastic. He was always moving, always showing himself. He wanted the ball, he linked up the game much, much better.

"McGinn was in a position where he could be a bit higher and the front two were absolutely incredible. They were in control of their emotions but they brought them to the game.

"The last action of the game, minute 92, is an example of their mentality of how they were ready to come.

(SNS Group)

"Steve organised the game tactically very, very well. I believe even more important that that was their spirit.

"They were coming not just for a football match, but to play a football match against England at Wembley. It was clearly part of Steve and his staff. It was to unite the squad and get them to play.

"In this moment they go home with this historic result but the door is open for them to qualify. Now they play at home to Croatia gives qualification.

"They were so solid. We were speaking before about their defensive block. It was low in front, but when they were recovering the ball they were not afraid to project forward.

"The right-back almost scored an amazing goal. Robertson is Robertson.

"The two strikers are not super skilful players but their work rate was tremendous, and their work rate, the midfield three, they had it. They were not afraid to join in in attacking areas.

"For me they did very well, and were even better than what I could expect.

"They put England in a position where, my feeling was, they didn't want to lose in the last 15 minutes. I could feel England were more on the side of pragmatism.

"I didn't see any risk of desire to try and gambling and win the game."

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