Scotland hero says English people are 'unbearable' ahead of Euro 2024 opener against Germany

Scotland boss Steve Clarke wants his side to show no fear as they prepare to face Germany at Euro 2024 tonight

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/06/2024

- 13:13

Scotland face off against Germany in the opening match of the European Championships on Friday night

Scotland hero Gordon Strachan has joked English fans are 'unbearable at the best of times' as the Tartan Army prepare to face Germany tonight.

Steve Clarke's side go into the contest as underdogs, with Germany starting to come good under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann.


Scotland have never won a major competition and will be out to cause a major upset in tonight's clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Strachan would love to see his country go all the way, joking English people are 'unbearable'.

Steve Clarke

Scotland boss Steve Clarke wants his side to show no fear as they prepare to face Germany at Euro 2024 tonight

REUTERS

But the former Scotland player and manager wouldn't begrudge either Harry Kane or Phil Foden from firing England to glory this summer.

He told Fastestpayoutonlinecasino.com: “I want Harry Kane to win something significant.

"If we don't get to the final, then I wouldn't mind them winning it.

"My problem is I live in England and English people are unbearable at the best of times.

"But if they win this then I'm moving to Shetland because it would be extra unbearable.

"I would be happy for Harry Kane and maybe Phil Foden, because wherever I go, if I see them live or on TV, they make it a great experience for me.

"So I have absolutely no problem if those two win it.”

Despite Scotland being underdogs, they still possess a squad with players capable of shining on the big stage.

Andy Robertson has won trophies galore at Liverpool, Scott McTominay was vital for Manchester United last season and John McGinn impressed for Aston Villa.

And Clarke, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, called on his players to show no fear.

"We know it's a big game but, for us, it's the opening game of a four-team section, three matches and we know what we have to do to qualify out the section and that's all we're focused on," he said.

"The enormity of the opening game is a little bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don't get too involved in that.

"For sure, it's a difficult game. One of the mantras I've always had is respect everyone and fear no one so we come here with a lot of respect for the host nation, we know they're a good team but hopefully on the night we can show we're a good team too."

The former Kilmarnock boss continued: "We believe we can get a result every time we go to the pitch, otherwise what's the point.

"We prepared well, we're ready and hopefully we can show that.

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Scotland Gordon Strachan

Scotland hero Gordon Strachan has joked English people are 'unbearable'

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"I think we should all be proud that we're here. It's been a long time since 1998 when we actually travelled abroad to appear in a tournament like this.

"That's why everyone is so excited. We're proud we've been able to do back-to-back tournaments and hopefully by the end of this we'll be even more proud at having done something a little bit more special in regards to Scottish football.

"Most of the players have been involved in big matches before so I'm sure they'll handle it well."

As for Robertson, the Liverpool star feels his side can 'create a bit of history' in Munich tonight.

"We've waited a long time for this game, it feels as if it's been years and years coming. We know how much of a challenge it's going to be, one more sleep and we'll be ready come kick-off," he admitted.

Andy Robertson

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has called on his side to 'create history' ahead of tonight's match with Germany

REUTERS

"I don't really think about my emotions too much. I feel the same as the rest of the boys.

"I feel immensely proud and very excited as well. It's amazing to be captain, they make my life very easy.

"Even the new boys that step in, they embrace it early doors and it keeps the feel-good factor going.

"It's important we show up to our maximum and if we do that we can create a bit of history. Tomorrow night we are playing a team full of quality, in front of their home fans, but it's a challenge we're excited for.

"We expect a lot from ourselves and hopefully we can do that on the pitch."

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