SCOTLAND are back in the international big time as they take on Czech Republic in their Euro 2020 opener at Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke’s side will be gunning for a massive win to open up their tough Group D campaign, which also includes games against England and Croatia.
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And you can catch all of the action live on BBC One from 2pm on Monday, the first of THREE games throughout the day.
What’s the form?
Scotland are participating in their first Euros since 1996, when they were also in a group with heated rivals England.
Heading into this summer’s tournament, the Scots were unbeaten in their two warm-up games against Holland and Luxembourg, beating the latter 1-0.
Scotland finished third in their qualifying group but managed to overcome Serbia on penalties in the play-offs to reach Euro 2020.
Czech Republic were beaten handily 4-0 by Italy last week but they bounced back with a win against Albania to head into the Euros with a victory under their belts.
“It’s behind us now, we need to learn from this, concentrate on the match against Albania and then put all our thoughts towards Scotland and ensure we don’t perform like that again,” Czech boss Jaroslav Silhavy said.
The Czechs finished second in their qualifying group, which was topped by their third Euro 2020 match day opponents England.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Scotland included Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour in their young squad, which also includes David Turnbull and Nathan Patterson.
Ole McBurnie has a foot injury so will not be available, while Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack also misses out with injury.
Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Scott McTominay are all expected to start for Clarke’s side against Czech Republic.
Former Scotland player Steven Naismith said:
“Billy Gilmour is an exceptional talent. He is somebody who has come into the international scene and made an impact in a short period of time.
“I’m sure the other boys in the middle of the park will be trying to keep him out.”
Their opponents, on the other hand, will have West Ham stalwart Tomas Soucek anchoring the midfield.
Hammers right-back Vladimir Coufal is in the 26-man squad, as is Bayer Leverkusen start Patrik Schick.
Watch out for…
West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, who was instrumental in the Hammers’ sixth place Premier League finish last term.
An engine in the middle of the park, Soucek can break up play and get forward with pace, often popping up late on the edge of the box or at the back post for corners.
Soucek notched 10 times for West Ham in the league last season, and he’ll be hoping his form continues with the Czech Republic this summer.
If the game’s rubbish…
Have a look to see if Patrik Shick’s long-term partner Hana is in the crowd.
The Czech beauty can often be spotted watching her man’s games from the stands and this summer at the Euros will be no different.
Hana boasts over 4,000 followers on Instagram and got married to Leverkusen star Schick last year.
Betting odds
- Scotland to win – 19/10 @ Paddy Power
- Both teams to score – 23/2 @ Betfair
- Che Adams to score first – 5/1 @ William Hill
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
