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Steve Clarke says Scotland have ‘lots to improve’ after defeat to France
Steve Clarke says Scotland have ‘lots to improve’ after defeat to France
Steve Clarke has told his Scotland players to “stop this run” of defeats next month after losing 4-1 to France in Lille. The Scots went into the friendly knowing they had qualified for the 2024 European Championships after Spain beat Norway at the weekend to ensure a top-two finish in Group A. Scotland had lost 2-0 to Spain last week on the back of a 3-1 loss to England at Hampden Park in the 150th Heritage Anniversary match and the French were even classier. Clarke made eight changes from Seville – goalkeepers Liam Kelly and Zander Clark played a half each on their debuts. Scotland stunned the home side when midfielder Billy Gilmour guided in the opener after 11 minutes – his first ever senior goal. However, France defender Benjamin Pavard scored two headers, skipper Kylian Mbappe added a third from the spot before the break after a VAR intervention saw referee Tobias Stieler judge Scotland defender Liam Cooper had held Olivier Giroud and substitute Kingsley Coman hammered in a fourth. After victory in their first five Euro qualifiers, Scotland have lost three in a row and Clarke wants to get that winning feeling back in the final two qualifiers against Georgia next month before the final game against Norway. He said: “We can take away the memory of the qualification but we lost two games in the camp. “We don’t like losing. I don’t want them to be comfortable losing or happy to lose. We have lost three in a row now and I have asked them to make sure that when we got to Georgia that we stop this run Steve Clarke “We spoke about that after the game. It is important we set our standards higher than that. “We have lost three in a row now and I have asked them to make sure that when we got to Georgia that we stop this run. “We want to finish on the same points as Spain so the target is to finish with 21 point which will make it a good campaign.” Clarke, who was “happy” with his team selection, acknowledged the superiority of the home side. He said: “I thought we started the game really well, the first 15 minute was good and we got ourselves in front. “To concede a goal from a corner was disappointing because we know France can score from open play and we try not to give goals away from set plays. “The third goal – I don’t think VAR should have got involved in the decision, it was soft and when the referee goes there he has to be strong to stick with his original decision. “Both players were at it and that takes the game away from us. “The second half was OK but France are always a threat with their pace and power and quality. “So lots to learn, lots to improve. We know we are not at that level yet. “It is level we are going to strive to get to and the harder we strive the better team we will be.” After sealing qualification to Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Friday, France boss Didier Deschamps was happy to finish the camp off with a convincing win He said: “It was a very good week, When you win you are always happy. “The most important thing was against the Netherlands on Friday night and the fact that we have shown so much quality tonight as well, it is a great satisfaction for us. “We created lots of chances against a team that can defend pretty well and has a lot of qualities. So we are very happy.” Read More Michael O’Neill wants Shea Charles to learn from dismissal on frustrating night Republic of Ireland heading in the right direction – striker Callum Robinson Scotland come back to earth as France recover from early fright Shea Charles dismissed as Northern Ireland lose at home to Slovenia Jordan Henderson has ‘no regrets’ over Saudi Arabia move despite being booed Rassie Erasmus expects England to have ‘some beef’ with South Africa
2023-10-18 06:19
Every NBA coach who is younger than LeBron James
Every NBA coach who is younger than LeBron James
LeBron James is making history as his storied career stretches into it's 21 season. He's now older than some of the opposing coaches.
2023-11-23 01:13
How Do You Get a Nuke in Warzone 2?
How Do You Get a Nuke in Warzone 2?
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 players can earn a nuke after they win five games in a row and complete the Champion's Quest.
1970-01-01 08:00
Why have guns gone quiet on the Israel-Lebanon border?
Why have guns gone quiet on the Israel-Lebanon border?
The silence on Lebanon's border with Israel is deafening. After five days of near constant crossfire between fighters in Lebanon and Israeli forces, the guns seem to have largely gone quiet.
2023-10-13 10:53
Who was John Leehey? Veteran landscape architect identified as one of three dead in Cook's County mass shooting
Who was John Leehey? Veteran landscape architect identified as one of three dead in Cook's County mass shooting
The other two victims were identified as Tonya Clark, 49, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona and Glen Sprowl Jr, 53, who resided in Stanton
2023-08-26 17:48
Kai Havertz: I put my ego aside and am thankful for Arsenal fans' support
Kai Havertz: I put my ego aside and am thankful for Arsenal fans' support
Kai Havertz admits he's put his ego to one side as he discusses the support Arsenal's supporters have shown him. The German scored a dramatic late winner against Brentford to send the Gunners top of the table.
2023-11-26 04:15
Kevin Costner's forensic accountant claims ex Christine Baumgartner spent $18K a month on just clothing
Kevin Costner's forensic accountant claims ex Christine Baumgartner spent $18K a month on just clothing
Christine Baumgartner was spending an average of $18K per month on designer clothing and more than $3K monthly on beauty products and treatments
2023-09-02 15:51
Getting used to some rule differences is part of the World Cup learning process for USA Basketball
Getting used to some rule differences is part of the World Cup learning process for USA Basketball
The international game and the NBA game are basically the same
2023-08-15 23:14
Football transfer rumours: Martinez wants Chelsea; Man Utd & Man City chase Theo
Football transfer rumours: Martinez wants Chelsea; Man Utd & Man City chase Theo
Friday's football transfer rumours, with updates on Lautaro Martinez, Theo Hernandez, Moises Caicedo, James Maddison & more.
2023-06-16 16:30
Verstappen win streak under threat in 'perilous' Singapore race
Verstappen win streak under threat in 'perilous' Singapore race
Max Verstappen's bid for a record-extending 11th straight win faces a severe test in Sunday's "perilous" Singapore night race on the...
2023-09-13 11:31
Fourth of July: Paige Spiranac channels patriotic spirit, looks 'gorgeous' in American flag bikini while enjoying beer and hot dogs
Fourth of July: Paige Spiranac channels patriotic spirit, looks 'gorgeous' in American flag bikini while enjoying beer and hot dogs
Spiranac's vibrant celebration included the Independence Day staples — beer and hot dogs
2023-07-05 15:45
DeSantis says Florida GOP chair should resign amid rape allegation
DeSantis says Florida GOP chair should resign amid rape allegation
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says state Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler should resign while police investigate a rape allegation against him
2023-12-02 02:57