International Friendly
Luxembourg 0-1 Scotland
Sunday 6 June 2021, kick-off 5pm (UK time)
Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg

Scotland: Adams (27’)

Scotland wrapped up preparations for UEFA EURO 2020 with a 1-0 friendly victory over Luxembourg. 

Che Adams first half strike ensured Steve Clarke and his players were unbeaten in their friendly preparations, with just one week to go until the long-awaited clash with Czech Republic at Hampden.

Team news

Steve Clarke made seven changes to his starting eleven after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Netherlands.

Only Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and Lyndon Dykes kept their place for the final friendly before EURO 2020.

Nathan Patterson was named among the substitutes, making his first appearance in a Men’s A match day squad.

As it happened

Scotland started on the front foot as Luxembourg struggled to deal with the threat of Tierney and Robertson down the left flank.

It was the latter’s pinpoint delivery which so nearly led to the opener inside the opening 15 minutes, curling the ball towards Lyndon Dykes at the back post who sent a header crashing against the foot of the post.

Tierney followed suit two minutes later, whipping a cross towards Dykes yet again but the striker couldn’t get enough on it to trouble Anthony Moris in the Luxembourg goal.

Midway through the opening 45, Scotland took the lead through Che Adams. It was terrific link-up play between the two strikers, with Dykes driving in to the box before sliding the ball left for the Southampton forward to stroke home underneath the goalkeeper from close range.

The two reversed roles just over five minutes later when Adams threaded a perfect reverse ball through to Dykes who was clear through on goal before being hauled to the deck by Selimovic who was immediately shown a straight red card.

From the resulting free-kick, Scott McTominay struck a dipping effort just over the bar.

Clarke made two changes at the break, withdrawing Callum McGregor and Declan Gallagher and introducing Billy Gilmour and Scott McKenna.

The Chelsea midfielder nearly made an instant impact, driving in to the box past two or three challenges and fizzing a low shot narrowly past the post, with the help of a slight deflection.

John McGinn forced a good save from Moris from the edge of the box, but the stopper made no mistake with the save as Scotland ramped up their search for a second.

It looked as though that goal had arrived just a minute later, however Dykes’ celebrations were cut short after the referee blew for a handball.

Having made his debut earlier in the week, Gilmour so nearly added to what has been a dream week for the youngster had it not been for a strong save from Moris in the Luxembourg goal. The midfielder showed terrific footwork to make space for the shot before firing on target, only to see his strike saved.

In the 64th minute, Clarke made another double substitution, replacing both wing-backs for the remaining half hour. As Robertson and O’Donnell made way, Ryan Fraser was introduced alongside Nathan Patterson, making his Scotland debut.

With the minutes ticking down, Scotland continued to control proceedings but Clarke was faced with a difficult decision with less than 15 minutes remaining. 

With his eyes fixed on the ball, Gilmour was caught in the head by a reckless challenge from Thill, who received a yellow card. After a few minutes of treatment and consultation with his medical team, Clarke decided to take no risks and withdrew the youngster from play, replacing him with James Forrest.

Fraser curled in a terrific cross towards Adams, who didn't catch his header cleanly and, as a result, cannoned off Scott McTominay and wide of the mark. 

Clarke's men saw out the final few minutes comfortably to hold on to a well-deserved clean sheet and a winning end to preparations for the weeks ahead. 

Next up

The wait is almost over. Scotland’s next match is one at a major tournament for the first time in 23 years.

UEFA EURO 2020. Scotland v Czech Republic at Hampden Park. 14 June.

Teams

Luxembourg: Moris, Selimovic, Jans, Pinto, Mahmutovic, Carlson, Skenderovic, S. Thill, Sinani, Rodrigues, Deville

Unused subs: Veiga, Martins da Graca, Korac, Fox, Bohnert, Dzogovic, O. Thill, Alves da Mota, Schon, Philipps, Curci

Scotland: Marshall (GK), O’Donnell (Patterson, 64’), Robertson (c) (Fraser, 64’), McTominay, Hanley, Tierney, McGinn, McGregor (Gilmour, 45’ - Forrest, 76'), Dykes, Adams, Gallagher (McKenna, 45’)

Unused subs: Gordon (GK), McLaughlin (GK), Taylor, Armstrong, Turnbull, Nisbet, Hendry.