Steve Clarke might need to rally the troops again as the Tartan Army’s morale has taken a pounding after the Czech defeat.
The feeling heading to Wembley is now more of worry than excitement but at least the Scotland boss never needs to look far for advice.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentiny, said: “The balloons are burst as Scotland blew it, leaving the nation feeling deflated. Wembley is just a nostalgia trip and instead of a cap I would give them a mask.”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: "Clarke has to do a Southgate and give youth a chance. We might not win but at least our future may look brighter. At the same time I believe youth with hunger and passion will prove a better team than England expect us to be and believe they can handle it.
“Clarke is definitely in last chance saloon and has no option but to change things up.”
Rab Roberts, Bo’ness, said: “There’s no doubt Nathan Paterson has potential and may become a reliable addition to the Scotland squad.
“But his eagerness to get forward during the Luxembourg match left the backline dangerously exposed on at least three occasions.
“Against more talented opponents it would have been disastrous.
“His time may come, but it’s not arrived yet.”
Jake Curley emailed: “I’m 65 and watched Scotland all my life. Apart from Wembley in ’67 they always play as if they are terrified.
“Why are they not trained from childhood to be comfortable on the ball?
“Wales and Northern Ireland have shown us up with less quality. So sad.”
Henry McCoy said: “Clarke is living in dreamland. Lyndon Dykes can’t score goals, and players like Nisbet, Adams and Fraser are sat on bench with Patterson and Gilmour. These players are hopefully our future team, win or lose they should be selected. Our best goalkeeper is sitting at home watching this rubbish."
But Stuart Paterson emailed: “Turkey, Denmark, Russia, Macedonia, Ukraine, Croatia, Hungary, and even Poland and Germany have lost their opening games and are all better teams than Scotland. Get a grip Scotland fans, time for a reality check.”
Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: “It’s about time Scotland realised this team are decent at best and the media expectations are ridiculous. Let's be adventurous and play Patterson and Gilmour as we need to significantly improve the quality for the future and that will come with experience.”
Meanwhile Neil Doncaster might not get a warm welcome at Ibrox on flag day.
Alan Milligan emailed: “Rangers, Hearts and Patrick Thistle should ban Doncaster from their grounds for life for the way he stitched them all up.
“The man has been a total disaster from day one.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “I hope Rangers don’t let Doncaster in. We can get ex-Rangers players to do the honours as SFA have never been the best people to deal with and are an embarrassment most times. Let’s hope Hearts and Thistle do the same.”
New Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is set to arrive next week.
But Alfie Mullin, London, said: “I feel that Steve Clarke won’t have too long to wait for his next job. Once his Scotland tenure ends next week, he can have a wee rest until Christmas, when the Celtic manager’s job becomes available again.
“Maybe he can even trick or treat the Celtic fans at Halloween.”
David Bryce, Troon, said: “I feel sorry for Postecoglou. The guy was obviously nowhere near number one choice yet has shown guts by taking the job, however he is being given zero support from above.
“He has inherited an absolutely impossible job and this should be remembered when the criticism starts.”
Back to the Euros and some more Tartan Army home front moans.
William McCarron, Glasgow, said: “I wonder what the supporters who went to the fan zone in Glasgow Green were more disappointed with, the game or the prices.
“Six quid a pint and £13 for a pizza – no wonder they didn’t want you to take anything in. Ripped off again.”
Mind you, a win at Wembley would be priceless.
