England manager Gareth Southgate says the Euro 2020 clash with Scotland “will be a humdinger of a game” and hopes that supporters will be able to attend.
“What a game. That makes our lives more complicated for sure,” Southgate told BBC Radio 5 live.
“It will hopefully be a fantastic occasion with fans, but that’s the one thing none of us can control.”
The summer of 2021 will mark the 25th anniversary of the sides’ last tournament meeting at Wembley, famous for Paul Gascoigne’s superb goal in a 2-0 England win at Euro 96.
Southgate, who started that match, was quick to congratulate manager Steve Clarke on Scotland’s first qualification for a men’s major tournament since 1998.
“I’m delighted for them,” he said.
“I’m particularly pleased for Steve Clarke. He’s a great guy and has done a great job. That will be a humdinger of a game.
“They’ve got a team that is improving quickly with a lot of players who have emerged in the last two or three years. The likes of John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, Andrew Robertson.”
‘He’s playing where we want him to play’
One man who will be hoping to be in the starting XI next summer is Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
He was again excellent in the 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland and was comfortably your man of the match in the BBC Sport player rater.
“Jack was very good,” Southgate said.
“He’s in really good form and he’s playing in the areas we want him to play, not coming too deep and affecting the game in the final third. Some of the interplay down the left was really exciting.”
Grealish said that he was relishing the chance given to him by Southgate.
“I want to play as much as possible – all I’ve got to do is try to impress the manager as much as I can,” he said.
“I love it out there. What is not to love about playing for your country? Fingers crossed I’ll keep playing. I want to play in these competitive games for my country and hopefully I can do that.
“Since I have been here, the manager has been brilliant with me, talking to me and telling me what he wants me to do.”
Grealish was also delighted to see Scotland qualify for Euro 2020, adding: “I’m over the moon. It’s brilliant for everyone involved, especially if we can get Wembley full by the time that comes around. Fingers crossed for that because I think it will be an unbelievable day.
“One of my good friends [Aston Villa team-mate] John McGinn gets to play at the Euros, so I’m delighted for him as well.”
Coady and Rashford out
Defender Conor Coady and forward Marcus Rashford have both been ruled out of Nations League matches against Belgium and Iceland this week.
Wolves captain Coady is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Manchester United striker Rashford is injured and will not now meet up with the squad as planned.
England travel to Belgium on Sunday (kick-off 19.45 GMT) before hosting Iceland on Wednesday 18 November (19.45).
Coady said: “I contracted and recovered from the virus myself back in March, and have tested negative twice in camp, but of course it is important that I abide by the rules set by the government and observe a period of self-isolation.
“It’s so frustrating to have to miss games because of this, but these are the rules that are set out and the most important thing is to make sure my team-mates are not put at risk.”
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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