Jeers for England as Scots near promotion

‘ENGLAND’S going down’ crowed Hampden Park. Take a point from Ukraine in Poland on Tuesday and Scotland will be going up.

And boy was Scotland’s comefrom-behind triumph celebrated with gusto when Ryan Christie rolled home a penalty eight minutes from time.

Scotland’s win means a draw against Ukraine will see them promoted to Pool A and guarantee a play-off spot for Euro 2024.

Ireland took the lead in the 18th minute. Scotland thought they had cleared the danger from a corner but, when Jayson Molumby returned a header and Nathan Collins was first to the dropping ball, John Egan pounced to finish on the turn.

It looked miserable for Scotland, especially when Kieran Tierney was forced off with concussion late in the half. There was a time not so long ago, when no Tierney or Andy Robertson, injured and in the stands here, would have deflated those left behind. But the supporting cast have emerged as leading men in the past two years and, led by skipper John McGinn, the hosts played with renewed spirt.

They were level in the 49th minute when Christie made a mannequin of full-back Matt Doherty and crossed for Jack Hendry to head home.

And the comeback was complete when Alan Browne handled from a corner and Christie stepped up to send Scotland top of the group.