Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (2024)

Summary

Live Reporting

Ben Collins, Martin Dougan, Holly Bacon and Sarah Rendell

  1. Goodbyepublished at 15:22 7 June

    15:22 7 June

    That's all from us then. Thank you for joining us and for your contributions to today's live page. We have covered a lot of talking points so let's take a quick look at some of our top stories today:

    The football action isn't over today, though, as the BBC Sport website will have live coverage later of England and Scotland's final warn-up games for Euro 2024. We do hope you're join us. Bye for now!!

  2. 'Portugal are my favourites to win Euro 2024'published at 15:18 7 June

    15:18 7 June

    Kristof Terreur
    Belgian football journalist on the Football Daily podcast

    If you look at all the players they have, the way they have gone through qualification, I think Portugal are my favourites. [Coach] Roberto Martinez must have learned from the past, and they still have [Cristiano] Ronaldo - and his ego of course. It's a strong team.

    Portugal are in Group F with the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey.

  3. Scotland set for farewell against Finlandpublished at 15:15 7 June

    15:15 7 June

    Scotland v Finland (19:45 BST)

    Scotland

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (1)Image source, Getty Images

    After a victory over Gibraltar in Portugal on Monday, the Scotland squad now have the opportunity to bid farewell to their loyal fans on home ground before embarking on that plane to Germany.

    For many, this tournament might feel like Scotland's first major competition in 26 years. They did qualify for Euro 2020 but Covid restrictions denied many supporters of a chance to cheer on their heroes.

    The atmosphere is set to be electric later as the players give it their best in front of an eager and excited crowd. The Scots have a near perfect record against Finland - winning six and drawing two of their previous eight meetings.

    If we rewind the clock back to the 1998 World Cup, when Scotland supporters did get to follow their time en masse. That was actually the last time these two sides met. Again, in a tournament warm-up match for Craig Brown's team, Scotland came from behind to draw 1-1 with Darren Jackson scoring the equaliser.

    After the Gibraltar game, current boss Steve Clarke said his team were nervous at times. If it's confidence the players need, then a strong, positive performance tonight will do them the world of good before heading to the Euros.

  4. Scotland's Group A opponents - Hungarypublished at 15:06 7 June

    15:06 7 June

    Hungary

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (2)Image source, Getty Images

    Before losing to the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on Wednesday, Hungary were unbeaten in 14 games. Marco Rossi's side aren’t exactly favourites but they will behoping to upset the odds and show the kind of form they delivered inqualification, where they topped their group with five wins and three draws.

    Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is set to be theyoungest captain at the tournament at the age of 23, while goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and centre-back Willi Orban are plenty of experience in Germany playing for RB Leipzig.

  5. Scotland's Group A opponents - Switzerlandpublished at 14:59 7 June

    14:59 7 June

    Switzerland

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (3)Image source, Getty Images

    Scotland's second group game will be against Switzerland in Cologne. This Swiss side will look to pull off more upsets after knocking out France in the round of 16 at Euro 2020, but this is arguably the game Scotland fanswill be hoping to grab a result.

    Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is the undisputed star of the side and comes into the tournament fresh off the back of an incredible season in Germany with Bundesliga champions Bayern Leverkusen.

    MuratYakin’s side are alwayscapable of pulling off big results and former Liverpool and Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri, now with MLS side Chicago Fire, has plenty of experienceat international tournaments to help Switzerland achieve that.

  6. Scotland's Group A opponents - Germanypublished at 14:54 7 June

    14:54 7 June

    Germany

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (4)Image source, Getty Images

    Looking ahead to Scotland's opening game against Germany next week. Let's take a look at some of the players the hosts will be hoping to showcase on home soil.

    Young coach Julian Nagelsmaan is preparing for his first Eurosas Germany boss and he has the spoils when it comes to players.

    You have to start with Germany legend Toni Kroos. The midfielder announced last month that he will retire after this summer's tournament and has just won a sixth Champions League trophy in his final game for Real Madrid.

    He will make up a formidable midfield alongside Ilkay Gundogan and 21-year-old wonderkid Florian Wirtz, who will all be hoping to provide chances for forwards such as Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller.

  7. 'Scotland should beat Finland'published at 14:49 7 June

    14:49 7 June

    Scotland v Finland (19:45 BST)

    Kevin Gallacher
    Former Scotland striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

    It's a big match, the last game in preparation for the Euros, a big competition, and the manager [Steve Clarke] still has to cut a couple of players out.

    You are always going to get criticism no matter what happens. When you go and play a nation like Gibraltar everybody is expecting you to win nine or 10-0 - it doesn't happen like that nowadays. The lads are preparing for a big competition and they are trying to stay fit and get ready, but I honestly think Scotland should beat Finland tonight.

  8. Gordon & Souttar set to miss out on Scotland squadpublished at 14:48 7 June

    14:48 7 June

    Scotland v Finland (19:45 BST)

    After beating Gibraltar 2-0 in a friendly on Monday, Scotland play their final warm-up game against Finland later.

    Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender John Souttar are the players set to miss out on Euro 2024 selection as head coach Steve Clarke trims his squad from 28 to 26.

    But BBC Scotland understands that Hearts veteran Gordon, 41, is in line to play at Hampden later, which would take him to 75 caps.

  9. Wayne Rooney: My Euro 2004published at 14:46 7 June

    14:46 7 June

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (5)Image source, BBC Radio 5 Live

    That Iceland defeat proved to be Wayne Rooney's final game for England at a major tournament.

    His introduction to the international stage was far more enjoyable as he had a huge impact as a teenager at Euro 2004.

    In a new series of Football Daily specials, Rooney talks to Darren Fletcherabout breaking into the England squad at the age of 17 and turning up to hisfirst training camp with painted toenails!

    He describes the fearless attitudethat underpinned his outstanding performance in England's Euro 2004 opener againstholders France.

    Listen here

  10. Bad memories for England fanspublished at 14:40 7 June

    14:40 7 June

    England v Iceland (19:45 BST)

    A reunion with Iceland brings only one game to mind. They were huge underdogs when they knocked England out of Euro 2016 in the round of 16.

    Wayne Rooney's early penalty put England in front but the minnows Iceland fought back to win 2-1 and manager Roy Hodgson resigned afterwards.

    England have faced Iceland twice since and beat them both times in the Nations League four years ago.

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (6)Image source, Getty Images

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (7)Image source, Getty Images

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (8)Image source, Getty Images

  11. Three Lions prepare for Wembley send-offpublished at 14:35 7 June

    14:35 7 June

    England v Iceland (19:45 BST)

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (9)Image source, Getty Images

    England will be hoping for a successful send-off against Iceland later, in front of a sold-out Wembley. They beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-0 on Monday in their first warm-up game.

    Gareth Southgate is expected to go with a stronger XI tonight, with captain Harry Kane set to return after coming off the bench on Monday.

  12. Postpublished at 14:27 7 June

    14:27 7 June

    Slovenia

    How did they qualify?

    Slovenia qualified for Euro 2024 by finishing second in their group - behind Denmark. They won seven games, lost one and drew two, so were narrowly edged to the top spot by the Danes. Group H also featured Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, Finland and San Marino.

    What are their chances?

    Success would be getting out of the group stage - a feat which they didn’t manage in 2000. Many don't think they will manage it.

    There is no doubt Slovenia will recognise the difficulty of their group but with top talent like Sesko and a really positive qualifying campaign, who knows, they could surprise people.

  13. Who plays for Slovenia?published at 14:25 7 June

    14:25 7 June

    Slovenia

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (10)Image source, Getty Images

    Slovenia have one of the world’s top goalkeepers in Jan Oblak, who has just completed his 10th season in goal for Atletico Madrid.

    Linked with a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea, Benjamin Sesko will be the one to watch at Euro 2024.

    The 21-year-old striker has put himself on the radar with an impressive debut season at RB Leipzig, finishing with 18 goals across all competitions.

    He made his international debut aged 18 and already has 28 caps for Slovenia, scoring 11 goals.

  14. A closer look at Group Cpublished at 14:21 7 June

    14:21 7 June

    Slovenia

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (11)Image source, Getty Images

    England will take on Slovenia in their final group game on 25 June in Cologne Stadium, which holds 43,000.

    It will be Slovenia’s first appearance at a major tournament for 14 years and their first European Championships since 2000.

    Manager Matjaz Kek is in his second stint in charge of the Slovenia national team. In his first spell he lead them to the 2010 World Cup.

    They are the group’s lowest-ranked team. Could they produce an upset? Let's have a look...

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (12)Image source, Getty Images

  15. Get Involved: Your views on England's Euro 2024 squadpublished at 14:20 7 June

    14:20 7 June

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Non-English here, I'd hate to be the English men's coach as there's no pleasing English fans. A certain phrase springs to mind: "damned if you do, damned if you don't". Fans should be thankful that England has an embarrassment of riches and can field three very good teams.

    Ovie

  16. Postpublished at 14:14 7 June

    14:14 7 June

    Denmark

    How did they qualify?

    Denmark topped their qualifying group to book their place at Euro 2024. They were up against Slovenia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland and San Marino and won seven games, drew one and lost two.

    What are their chances?

    With a good mix of youth and experience it will be interesting to see how Denmark get on. It is unlikely they will match their impressive run to the semi-finals at Euro 2020, but Denmark could still have a strong tournament.

  17. Who plays for Denmark?published at 14:11 7 June

    14:11 7 June

    Denmark

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (13)Image source, Getty Images

    There is plenty of Premier League representation in Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad. Manchester United duo Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are heading to Germany, as well as Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen.

    Hojlund ended Denmark’s qualifying campaign as top scorer with seven goals in eight appearances.

    Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Brentford’s Mathias Jensen have also got the nod, while Denmark mainstays Simon Kjaer and Kasper Schmeichel, now at Anderlecht, will once again represent their nation at a major tournament.

  18. A closer look at Group Cpublished at 14:08 7 June

    14:08 7 June

    Denmark

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (14)Image source, Getty Images

    England’s second group game is against Denmark in Frankfurt on 20 June - a repeat of the Euro 2020 semi-final. The Frankfurt Arena, home to Eintracht Frankfurt, holds 47,000.

    Denmark have reached consecutive European Championships for the first time since the early 2000s and after their impressive run in the last edition of the tournament, it will be interesting to see how Kasper Hjulmand’s side gets on.

    They won the competition in 1992 and are likely to be England’s biggest threat in Group C. Let’s take a closer look at Denmark…

    Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (15)Image source, Getty Images

  19. Get Involved: Your views on England's Euro 2024 squadpublished at 14:03 7 June

    14:03 7 June

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Neil in soggy Edinburgh: Yet again, pundits & ex-players decrying those who aren't going to Germany. How about getting behind the lads that are going instead of belittling those who have made the cut. Those insisting Branthwaite should go, who would you drop and why?

  20. Postpublished at 14:01 7 June

    14:01 7 June

    Serbia

    How did they qualify?

    Serbia booked their place in Germany after coming second in their qualifying group to Hungary, winning four games, drawing two and losing two. Montenegro, Lithuania and Bulgaria were also in their group.

    What are their chances?

    The Eagles will undoubtedly have a tough task on their hands in a group with England and Denmark, who were the runners-up and semi-finalists at Euro 2020, respectively.

    Given that four third-placed teams will reach the last 16, Serbia are certainly in with a shot of reaching the knockout stages.

Recap: Build-up to England and Scotland friendlies (2024)
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