Tuesday, November 5, 2024

England to win again? Sutton’s predictions – second group games

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Cologne / 19 June / 20:00 BST

Before the Germany game, the Scotland fans made it one of the best pre-match atmospheres I have ever witnessed.

And then the game kicked off and it was such a sorry performance. Scotland were smothered completely, and were not allowed to play.

They have to do much better against Switzerland, and it will be interesting to see whether Steve Clarke puts Billy Gilmour into midfield this time. I am not sure Gilmour would have made much difference against Germany but I can understand why there are calls for him to be picked this time.

Clarke has a decision to make at the back too, with Ryan Porteous suspended. I think he’s got to bring Scott McKenna in at centre-half, but he will probably go with Grant Hanley. I am not sure about Hanley, with his lack of game-time for Norwich last season, and that might be a risk too far.

I would be thinking about bringing James Forrest in, possibly at right wing-back. People might scoff at that, but he has played there before and is versatile.

Scotland’s first aim has got to be to get up the pitch, something they failed to do against Germany, but it won’t be easy. The Swiss have started really well and Granit Xhaka was influential for them against Hungary.

I said before the tournament that I thought Scotland have a Championship backline, and I am worried about that again here.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

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