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England 0-0 Scotland: Andy Robertson says ‘make sure it’s not a pointless result’

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Scotland must ensure their battling 0-0 draw with England is not a “pointless result” as they bid to make history at Euro 2020, says captain Andy Robertson.

After opening with defeat by the Czech Republic, the Wembley stalemate keeps alive Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time.

Beating Croatia in Tuesday’s final group game will likely ensure progress.

“I thought we were the better team,” Robertson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“On another night we could have won it and I don’t think anyone can really argue with that.

“The feeling that we have now, the feeling that the fans have, it’s important we keep that and it’s not for nothing. We take it down to the last game and that’s all we ask. We have to use it to get out of the group.”

Steve Clarke’s side matched their hosts at Wembley, with Stephen O’Donnell having a first-half shot saved and Lyndon Dykes seeing a drive headed off the line after the break, while Che Adams slashed wide from six yards.

Subdued England hit a post with a John Stones header, and began the second half brightly, but were booed by their own fans in the closing stages of a famous result for Scotland.

Clarke – whose four changes included a first start for 20-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour and a recall for Che Adams in a two-pronged attack – believes his side answered their critics after the 2-0 loss to the Czechs.

Wing-back O’Donnell, who was criticised after Monday’s Hampden defeat, retained his place and shone in a memorable collective display.

“I’m not surprised about the brilliant performance, because I know how good my team is,” Clarke told BBC Scotland. “Unfairly criticised after Monday’s game – they’ve silenced a lot of people tonight.

“This team has been outstanding for the last 18 months. The players are so honest it’s frightening, and they do it all for their country. They deserve a bit more respect.”

Scotland remain bottom of the group – Croatia are above them on goal difference after drawing 1-1 with the Czechs – but return to Hampden on Tuesday with their qualification hopes revived.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance in the last game to get out of the group,” Clarke added. “Now we rest, recover, and get ready for what is a cup final against Croatia.”

‘Great when manager trusts you’ – what did the players say

Stephen O’Donnell: “The only point I need to prove is to the manager. Time and again, he is questioned about me and sticks by me. It’s a great feeling to have when a manager trusts me and hopefully I repaid some of that.”

Callum McGregor: “Everyone, to a man, was outstanding. The fans drove us on from the first minute. If you don’t feed off that energy then you’re in the wrong sport. We’ve given ourselves a massive chance now.”

Scott McTominay: “We were more than a match for them. We were never worried, our confidence never dipped after the Czech game. We have to win on Tuesday, and we’re going to do everything in our power to do so.”

‘We’ve taken it to the last game; that’s all we can ask’

What did the pundits say?

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 live

It’s only a point – but it’s a massive point. I’m incredibly proud of those players. They were absolutely phenomenal. The bravery out there, standing up to a lot of world-class players but they did not look fazed at any point.

England were warned it was going to be a battle. They weren’t up for it like the biggest cup final they’ve ever played. Whereas you look at the Scotland players and they were exactly like that.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

Sccotland were the better team by far. England did not do enough and did not deserve to win.

Scotland carried a massive threat. Their problem is scoring goals. They were unlucky on a couple of occasions. But England played so slowly. They didn’t have any ideas and Scotland just bossed them.

Former Scotland forward James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 live

Stephen O’Donnell wasn’t at his best on Monday. He came in for a lot of stick from everyone saying he shouldn’t play but he was terrific. Every single Scotland player was top class. Everything that was asked, they did it.

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