Billy Gilmour handed first Scotland start in crucial Euro 2020 clash against England

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Twenty-year-old Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour only has one cap, but will start against England

Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour has been handed his first Scotland start in tonight's Euro 2020 match against England.

His inclusion in Scotland's starting line-up is a surprise, and he will marshall the middle of the field with the more experienced John McGinn.

The midfielder, from Irvine, only turned 20 last week, and made his full international debut as a substitute in a pre-tournament friendly against the Netherlands earlier this month.

He made 11 appearances for Chelsea this season, including two in the Blues' successful Champions League campaign.

The youngster is considered a big talent for the future, and Chelsea poached him from Rangers in 2017.

Scotland lost their first game 2-0 to the Czech Republic, and need at least one result against England or Croatia to have a hope of progressing to the knockout stages.

Four teams who finish third in their groups will progress to the next round, meaning that one win may be enough to see a side through. This might explain Steve Clarke's adventurous line-up for tonight's match, showing a willingness to attack that may reflect the importance Scottish fans place on this game.

England, meanwhile, have made only two changes from Sunday's 1-0 victory to Croatia, with Reece James replacing Kyle Walker at right-back and Luke Shaw coming in for Kieran Trippier at left-back.

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Conor Pope
Conor Pope
Online Editor

Conor Pope is the former Online Editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing all digital content. He plays football regularly, and has a large, discerning and ever-growing collection of football shirts from around the world.

He supports Blackburn Rovers and holds a season ticket with south London non-league side Dulwich Hamlet. His main football passions include Tugay, the San Siro and only using a winter ball when it snows.