Scott McTominay hoping Sir Alex Ferguson can spur on Scotland vs England tonight

Tom Doyle18 June 2021

Scott McTominay is hoping the thought of Sir Alex Ferguson on the sidelines can spur on Scotland to cause a Euro 2020 upset at Wembley against England tonight.

The Scots' return to a major finals for the first time in 23 years started with a 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in their Group D opener at Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke's side face Croatia in their final fixture in Glasgow next week, and Manchester United midfielder McTominay knows how crucial a positive result against the Auld Enemy is if they are to retain hopes of qualifying out of the group.

McTominay has not spoken to former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about the game but will visualise the proud Scot, who brought him to Old Trafford, at the side of the pitch urging Scotland on.

"I'm sure he will be sat at home watching and wanting us to win and expecting us to win as well," McTominay said.

Getty Images

"I'll have those thoughts in my head. I'll imagine him being on the sidelines."

McTominay also says he is "excited" about playing against United team-mate Marcus Rashford while admitting he has not spoken to Luke Shaw about the game.

He said: "What he (Rashford) has done off the pitch has been nothing short of incredible.

"The way he has conducted himself on and off the football pitch has been an absolute breath of fresh air and for myself to play against him tomorrow will be exciting. I can't wait for it.

"It will be a strange moment, obviously, having played together for so many years.

"Since the age of eight, going through the academy at Manchester United and to be playing against each other tomorrow night will be fun."

POOL/AFP via Getty Images

As for Shaw, McTominay said: "We've not said one word. We'll leave that until after the game.

"I'm sure I'll see him then and it will be nice to see him but hopefully he won't have a smile on his face."

Additional reporting by PA.

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