'All to play for' against Croatia, says Stuart Armstrong

Scotland’s Stuart Armstrong has said it is “all to play for” ahead of the crunch Euro 2020 match against Croatia.

But, the midfielder, who came on as a substitute at Wembley during Scotland’s 0-0 draw with England on Friday, said that the players in the camp need to focus on the day to day, rather than on the historical significance of qualification.

With the group finely poised, the match on Tuesday at Hampden against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia looks set to become a winner-takes-all encounter.

“I think we’re quietly sticking to our game plan, building on our past two performances, we’re steadily getting better,” said Armstrong at a press conference on Sunday.

“It’s a simple game on Tuesday, it’s a must-win for both teams. So, it should prove exciting, should be open at times and it’s all to play for.”

The Southampton player indicated that focus must be on how to achieve qualification, rather than on what it would mean to do so.

“We try not to get carried away,” said Armstrong, who has 27 caps for Scotland.

“There’s a lot of media attention on the history and everything that goes along with that.

“As players, we need to focus on the day to day and how to achieve that, rather than what it would mean if we did.”

Armstrong also praised 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour, who made his first start for Scotland in the match against England.

He said: “I think for being such a young player, to have that level of bravery, composure, mixed with his quality, it was outstanding.

“In such a pressured environment, I thought he was terrific and all the boys were absolutely delighted for him.”