SIR ALEX FERGUSON reckons Euro 2020-bound Scotland must IGNORE rivals England to storm into the last 16.
Former Scotland boss Fergie has warned Steve Clarke’s stars not to focus on the June 18 showdown with the Auld Enemy at Wembley.
The Aberdeen and Manchester United legend, who led Scotland at the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, believes Hampden wins over the Czech Republic and Croatia will be crucial.
And he says the Scots can make history this summer by reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.
Sir Alex said: “The one thing I would warn against is paying too much attention to the England match.
“If you get a result in every game, then you will give yourself a chance of qualifying.
“But the England game looks after itself. Getting a result against the Czechs is imperative.
“A win there and a win against Croatia — who were in the World Cup final — would be so important. I’m hopeful we can do well.
“I’m optimistic. The games coming up in the group will be very tough, you have got to recognise that.
“But the important thing about the home games is having fans back in, even if it’s just 12,000.”
Sir Alex is thrilled that Holyrood have agreed to allow 25 per cent capacity in for the Hampden group games against the Czechs and Croatia in June.
And he believes the Tartan Army can help roar Scotland to the last 16.
He said: “It will be great to get the fans back. That number at Hampden when they get going is like 50,000 at Wembley.
“Getting the fans back is a boost to the game.
“It’s not the same game without them. I go to watch Manchester United and it’s a ghost town. There is no atmosphere whatsoever.
“To get that atmosphere back is what the players need.”
Clarke is set to lead Scotland into the finals after a 23-year wait for the country to qualify for a major tournament.
He was West Brom boss in Sir Alex’s last match as United gaffer in 2013 — an astonishing 5-5 draw at the Hawthorns as the Red Devils lifted the 13th league title of his reign.
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And Fergie has been impressed by the work Clarke has done since succeeding Alex McLeish as national manager.
Sir Alex added: “The thing that’s impressed me about Steve is he’s unflappable.
“It doesn’t matter if the team is doing well or doing badly, his demeanour doesn’t change.
“He’s composed, he’s calm and that transmits itself to the team — there’s no panic.
“The performance level has been good.
“I’ve been impressed and Steve is doing a very good job.
“With every game you manage Scotland, there is something added to your experience.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
