Kieran Tierney trains with Scotland after missing the England game
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Scotland defender Kieran Tierney could return on Friday after his injury against England, says coach Steve Clarke.
The 24-year-old Arsenal left-back missed the 2-0 Group D defeat against the Czech Republic on Monday when the Scots opened Euro 2020 disappointingly.
Clarke didn’t specify Tierney’s problem after calling the problem a “little niggle” on Monday.
“He has a chance,” said Clarke. “He did a bit of light training today and we’ll see how he develops.”
In Tierney’s absence, Scotland began their first major men’s final in 23 years with a defeat at Hampden.
However, Clarke insists that his players are not left calm as they prepare for a trip to Wembley to take on the group favorites.
“The players are fine, totally relaxed and know what to do,” said the manager. “We have to get the points we need to get out of the group and we still have the chance.
“So all the downfall that followed the result – not the performance, the result – should be put aside. My job is to analyze the performance and unfortunately most people just look at the result.
“They are a group of players determined to do well for their country. I think the last few games have shown that. We want to keep learning, we want to keep getting better and that’s what we’re going to strive for. ”
“Sometimes you have to accept a negative result and hopefully we will recover more.”
David Marshall has come under fire after Patrik Schick’s second goal in Hampden – an incredible long-range shot that sailed over the goalkeeper, who had moved far from his penalty area in open play.
“David has had that shot probably 50 times in his career and that’s the only time he’s been in,” said Clarke.
“It happens. I don’t understand the criticism. It was a shot from Jack Hendry and three seconds later he’s in the back of the net. The blocked shot could go anywhere, it was perfect for him to run and hit.” It’s one of those things. “
England started the tournament with a 1-0 win over Croatia and Clarke described Gareth Southgate’s side as “a great young team”.
“They got off to a good start, we didn’t, so we need to remedy the situation,” he said. “It’s a great game to recover from. The players are looking forward to it, I am looking forward to it and I am sure the Tartan Army will too.”
“Every game in the tournament is a big game. I think because it’s against our friends from the south of the border it makes it very special.”
