Southgate makes claim about Rangers & Celtic players after Scotland qualify for Euros
England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed that Rangers players’ experience of playing in big European games will benefit Scotland ahead of next years European Championships.
Scotland qualified for next summer’s tournament in dramatic fashion by beating Serbia on penalties.
Ryan Jack was the sole Gers representative on this occasion but Southgate gave credit to the players at Rangers and said their European exploits will leave Steve Clarke’s side in good stead next summer.
The Daily Record quote Southgate as saying: “And of course, the boys at Rangers and Celtic who are having big experiences in Europe at their clubs.
“They are all playing at big clubs under pressure. So the team has obviously improved an enormous amount and Steve [Clarke] deserves credit for that.”
It will be Scotland’s first appearance at a major tournament since 1998 and they will face auld enemy England in their group.
Assuming he stays fit, Jack should be starting for his country next summer as he is arguably Scotland’s best midfielder.
The 28-year-old was in fine form for his country in the last week and he was one of the outstanding performers as Scotland overcame Serbia.
Jack won 100% of his defensive duels and made eight interceptions in the playoff final, according to Wyscout.
He also registered a passing completion rate of 87% and dominated the midfield in the 123 minutes he played. In comparison, his midfield partner John McGinn only completed 67% of his passes against Serbia.
Jack’s experience of playing in big European ties and even Old Firm games mean he is in a good position to face a pressure game against England for his country. While it will be a huge occasion, Jack rarely lets anything faze him and he could be a key man for Scotland next summer.
In other Rangers news, one Gers defender turned in an outstanding performance for his country during the international break.