UEFA Euro 2020 Group D Matchday 1 preview: Scotland vs. Czech Republic (Mon - 14:00h. BST; 15:00h. CEST) - Team news and possible lineups
Czech Republic take on Scotland in UEFA EURO 2020 Group D in Glasgow on Monday 14 June at 14:00h. BST; 15:00h. CEST.
What's the story?
It was 1998 when Scotland last played a major tournament game, losing 3-0 to Morocco to exit the FIFA World Cup in France, but now they are back and for the first time get to play a finals match at Hampden Park. Czech Republic will hope for better than in last autumn's UEFA Nations League encounters with the Scots, who won both fixtures including a 1-0 victory in Glasgow.
Possible line-ups
Scotland: Marshall; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; O'Donnell, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Dykes, Adams
Czech Republic: Vaclík; Coufal, Čelůstka, Kalas, Bořil; Souček, Král; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
Reporters' views
Alex O'Henley, Scotland reporter: The consensus appears to be that this game against Czech Republic could open a path for the Scots to progress to the knockout stage for the first time. Victories home and away in the last year should give the Scots confidence, and they go into their first Group D game in fine form with just two defeats in their last 16 matches. From the coach to the players, the message all week has been we want to be positive and win the first match."
Ondřej Zlámal, Czech Republic reporter: The Czechs know how their opponents play from their recent UEFA Nations League meetings: determined, confident, direct. Jaroslav Šilhavý's men must make the most of their high pressing, pace and attacking football based on teamwork, and also avoid defensive blunders. The opening goal might well be the only one.
What the coaches say
Steve Clarke, Scotland coach: "The Czech Republic give us different problems to England and Croatia, so that can have a bearing on selection, but I am pretty settled [on the team]. The good thing for me is that no matter who I select, I expect them all to be fantastic for their country. As a manager or a coach, that’s a big thing that you can trust all your players."
Jaroslav Šilhavý, Czech Republic coach: "We know what to expect – tough one-on-ones, a sturdy opponent with straight-forward counters – and we have to be fully focused for 90 minutes. We are not going to give up our attacking style, though you cannot expect us to apply high press for all 90 minutes. But [we want a] tactically good performance worthy of three points."
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Scotland: WDWDDL
Czech Republic: WLLDWW
Source: UEFA