Euro 2020: McFadden claims Clarke's boys have Scot a chance

James McFadden believes Scotland have the tools to cause a shock at Euro 2020. 

Former Motherwell and Everton star McFadden, 38, has every confidence in Steve Clarke’s squad as the Scots head into a major finals for the first time since 1998. 

And the ex-forward, who netted 15 goals in 48 appearances for his country between 2002 and 2010, is tipping them to upset the odds in Group D.

Home advantage 

Finding themselves alongside old foes England, World Cup runners-up Croatia and a dangerous Czech Republic side, general expectations are not particularly high for the Scots.

But McFadden said: "In my opinion, we should be optimistic going into the games that we can qualify from the group.

"The key factor for me is that we have two home games. That’s such a massive advantage at a tournament. 

"Everyone will expect us to lose against England [at Wembley] but I think we can cause an upset. 

"My career came and went waiting for a tournament with us in it! But seriously, the excitement is building now and we can’t wait. It’s going to be an amazing period."

Young guns can shine

Clarke’s squad has a familiar look to it in most areas — but the 57-year-old coach did raise a few eyebrows by including an uncapped trio.

Celtic’s David Turnbull, 21, Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour and Rangers ace Nathan Patterson, both 19, have yet to feature at senior level.

McFadden believes the youngsters will do more than simply make up the numbers.

Speaking at the BBC’s Euro 2020 media launch event, he added: "I like the squad. I don’t think there were too many surprises when he named it. 

"People were talking about the three young lads coming in — Turnbull, Patterson and Gilmour — but I don’t see the issue. 

"I think these young players will freshen the squad up and all three come with a chance of playing."

The spirit of 1996

The last time Scotland reached a European Championship finals was back in 1996, when defeat to England, victory over Switzerland and a draw with the Netherlands saw them miss out on a spot in the knockout stage via goals scored.

And with the likes of Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay and John McGinn all bringing a wealth of Premier League experience to the table, Clarke and Co will be quietly confident of ruffling a few feathers.

The Czechs visit Hampden Park on June 14 before that mouth-watering clash with England four days later, while Croatia head to Glasgow on June 22.