Scotland’s 23-year wait for an appearance at a men’s major tournament ended on Monday, and it ended in defeat by the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke left Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney out of the matchday squad, a decision the coach might regret as his side were 2-0 losers in Glasgow – courtesy of a fine brace from Patrik Schick, who headed the opener before scoring an outrageous goal from the halfway line. Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson captained Scotland from left wing-back, with Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and John McGinn of Aston Villa starting together in the centre of midfield, but the quality of those players was unable to influence composure in the rest of the side.
Scotland, who were roared on by a raucous crowd but failed to send the fans home happy, are now bottom of Group D on goal difference, with the Czechs top. England, meanwhile, are second after beatingCroatia 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday thanks to a second-half Raheem Sterling goal. The Three Lions are next up for Scotland in a huge derby on Friday, a game the Scots will feel they must win ahead of their final group game against Croatia.
Follow all the post-match reaction and analysis from Scotland vs Czech Republic at Euro 2020 below:
