It's Scotland big day at Hampden!

Scotland begin their Euro 2020 challenge

Author: Rob WallerPublished 14th Jun 2021

It's been 23 long years, but today is the day Scotland finally return to a major tournament.

At 2pm twelve thousand lucky fans will be inside Hampden Park roar on Steve Clarke's team in their opening game of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic.

Another three thousand people have tickets to watch on giant screens at the official UEFA fan zone on Glasgow Green.

Supporters are being urged to take a Covid test - and make sure it's negative - before going along there.

Thousands of kits are being sent out in the post and there's a mobile testing unit at Glasgow Green.

Historic moment

Scotland skipper Andy Robertson says the team knows what an historic moment it is: "We want the whole country behind us."

"I'm excited for the kids, I'm excited for the older generation that were maybe used to us qualifying and now they get to see us back there.

"We have not long got back to Scotland and you can feel the buzz already around Glasgow and I'm sure it's like that in every city and town. We hope that continues for the duration of the tournament.

"It's up to us try and keep a smile on their faces and that's certainly one of our huge motivations for this tournament.''

The Scotland fans will also be making a comeback after more than 18 months away from Hampden.

"The fact we will walk out in front of fans again will be incredible,'' said Robertson.

"I would have loved it to be a full house, but what's going on in the world now isn't allowing that. But to have 12,000 in will be great, to have some of our family in will be even better.

"But I'm sure all beer gardens, I'm sure all gardens and houses will be packed. I am sure the whole nation will be watching and we will feel that support, feel that love, and hopefully we can do them proud.''