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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Kris Boyd trolls England in brutal Nations League putdown after Scotland promotion

KRIS BOYD has trolled England after Scotland's promotion to Section A of the Nations League. 

Steve Clarke guided his side to a 0-0 draw in Poland against Ukraine, with the draw enough for the Scots to win their group. 

As Group B winners, Scotland move up to the A section for the next edition of the UEFA competition. 

As a result, they have also secured the back-up of a Euro 2024 play-off spot and pot 2 status for the European Championships' qualification campaign.

All the sweeter for Scotland, England and Wales have been relegated to Section B of the Nations League after poor campaigns this time around. 

And ex-Scotland striker Boydy was quick to wind-up Sky Sports' English presenters about the matter. 

He said: “Can you just say that again, leapfrog who? England. I’ll say it for you Nick. It’s magnificent for Scottish football.”

Speaking on a serious tone about the game, Boyd was full of praise for Ryan Porteous and the defence in general, which was heavily depleted due to injury.

He continued: "They were brave in defending, there were some outstanding performances in there. Ukraine probably should have score early doors, but they didn’t, Craig Gordon then makes an unbelievable save.

“From there on in, you had the feeling that it was going to be a performance to remember from Scotland.

“In terms of the bodies that were missing, the guys who came in, it just felt as if it was a fairy-tale story for them.

“When you look at the back-four, I’m not sure any of them would’ve thought they would’ve started when the squad was named. When people pull out though, you find a way.

“We’ve been up against it but we’ve got a positive result.

“Ryan Porteous for me was outstanding. His bravery to not only to step in, but to keep that high line and depend on his pace. Jack Hendry is quick over the ground as well. This led to Scotland being able to squeeze the game really high up the pitch.

“Greg Taylor and Aaron Hickey in the full-back areas as well defending really well. Steve Clarke will be delighted with that.

“When you look at Robertson, Tierney, Patterson, Hanley, McKenna, Cooper, Souttar and McTominay all out. To defend the way that we did, Clarke will be extremely proud and so should the players.

“A lot of people will say ‘it’s only the Nations League’, but to countries like Scotland it means a lot. This was the way we were able to get through to the last European Championships and it gives us that safety net for the next one.”

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