THE NOTEBOOK: Craig Brown deserved better than the disrespectful minute’s silence as England took on Scotland… while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will breathe a sigh of relief with Bukayo Saka’s inclusion
- Scottish legend Brown deserved better than boos during the minute’s silence
- Arteta will have breathed a sigh of relief as Saka was ready to come off the bench
- Listen to the latest episode of the ‘Mail Sport’ podcast It all starts ‘
Whose idea was it to have a minute’s silence for the great Craig Brown before Scotland vs England? Silly idea.
Brown was a football treasure, a man rightly revered north of the border. He deserved better than this.
Cheers, jeers and chants of Eng-ger-land, all within sixty shameful seconds. It was a meaningful sentiment, no one doubts that. But what are the chances of a minute’s silence being observed with dignity ahead of a clash where both groups of fans have such contempt for each other?
The behavior of the English tour company has improved enormously in recent years, but there remains a group of idiots who ruin it for everyone.
Those responsible should have seen this coming. On this occasion, a minute’s applause in honor of Brown, who died in June aged 82, would have been a much safer bet.
Craig Brown was a football talent, a man rightly revered north of the border
Within sixty shameful seconds there were boos, cheers and chants from Eng-ger-land
Mikel Arteta breathes a sigh of relief
Mikel Arteta breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted England’s starting XI.
Bukayo Saka, despite emerging as one of Gareth Southgate’s key players, was named as a substitute here in Glasgow after being caught at the receiving end in a stout Ukrainian ‘defence’ on Saturday.
But his omission last night wasn’t strictly a result of Saturday’s painful encounter. Mail Sport understands Saka is still plagued by an Achilles tendon problem that dogged him last season.
Mikel Arteta breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted England’s starting XI
James Ward-Prowse should feel heavily burdened
A penny for James Ward-Prowse’s thoughts this morning. Kalvin Phillips was back in the England team after a total of six minutes of first-team football for Manchester City.
Similarly, Harry Maguire has played more minutes for England this season than he has for Manchester United at half-time. How long can this take? You imagine Ward-Prowse – who has started the season brilliantly at West Ham – and others are wondering the same thing.
Gianni Infantino spotted with a familiar face
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance at Hampden Park, sitting intriguingly next to Football Association president Debbie Hewitt.
Since Infantino was a former UEFA director, they naturally had a lot to talk about.
Barring an unexpected turn of events, Britain and Ireland will host Euro 2028, with sources close to the FA labeling the decision as a ‘done deal’.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at Hampden Park with Debbie Hewitt
Scotland in the city
There were camera phones at the ready as Scotland’s players surprised commuters during a peaceful pre-match stroll through the picturesque grounds of Blythewood Square Gardens.
Steve Clarke’s side left their luxury five-star hotel in Glasgow just before midday to stretch their legs before kick-off. And it wasn’t just locals who had to do a double take; a Mail Sport reporter (on his way to the gym!) was also surprised by their public walk.