Ally McCoist’s Croatia v Scotland preview: Scotland will need another energetic performance to force result

Our Matchday Squad journalist will be covering Scotland throughout Euro 2020

I was thrilled with the draw Scotland earned at Wembley against England on Friday evening and was so proud of the team. We now need the same level of performance and the same commitment against Croatia in order to qualify for the last sixteen.

The big thing we did differently to the opening defeat against the Czech Republic was that we played better in possession of the ball and it was magical to see Billy Gilmour play so well after being given the opportunity to shine.

Croatia are a very good side and this is a team who got to a World Cup final only three years ago. England didn’t create many chances against them in their opening game so we know it will be a tough game.

I expect Steve Clarke to stick with the same starting eleven that he went with against England, with one change needed with Billy Gilmour out of the game now self-isolating. Stuart Armstrong, who started against the Czech Republic and came off the bench against England, is the most likely replacement.

The team will of been very tired after exerting such a huge level of energy on Friday night and hopefully they have got enough rest into their legs because the same energy levels will be needed if we are to force the result we need to progress.

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