Scotland’s Spain are heroic at 1984, says Rangers hero Souness, but we must learn from England’s performance

GRAEME SOUNESS reckons Scotland’s exploits in Spain are tantamount to their famous 1984 victory.

But the Rangers hero urged Steve Clarke’s men to learn a valuable lesson if they need to build on performance and march to qualifying.

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Scotland got the EURO 2024 off to a perfect start with a 3-0 win over Cyprus in Hampden last week.

And as Pot One Spain rocked through the week in a boisterous Hampden, the Tartan Army’s dreams of Germany next year took a big step closer to being a reality.

Rodri and co were easily beaten 2-0 that night – as Scott McTominay notched his second brace in two games.

Scotland are now top of Group A after their opening two games and have a chance of qualifying for a second consecutive European Championship.

Souness was very impressed with the team’s performance, valuing the result on par with the famous result against the same opponent in 1984.

Almost 40 years ago, the ex-Ibrox midfielder was captain of the national team when goals from Mo Johnston and Kenny Dalglish led to a 3-1 win under Jock Stein.

However, in his column in the Daily Mail, Souness stressed the importance of Clarke and his side building on the result when international football resumes in June.

He said: “A lot of people around the world would have watched Scotland’s 2-0 win over Spain this week and would have been surprised.

“Yes it was a big win but Scotland have improved a lot in recent years.

“They were fabulous against England during Euro 2020 at Wembley and should have won that night. England were lucky to walk away with a goalless draw.

“But that win against Spain felt meaningful in terms of faith and one that will hopefully see a turnaround forever.

“Don’t forget that after that brilliant performance against England they lost to Croatia and left the tournament. Now it’s about consistency, about keeping that momentum and making big finals the norm, not a one-off event.”

“Tuesday’s win was comparable to the 3-1 win over Spain in 1984. Mo Johnston scored twice but the game is best remembered for Kenny Dalglish’s goal, cutting in from the right and left into the top corner finished.

“Hampden Park was on fire and we qualified for Mexico ’86.

“We felt like we could take on anyone after that and I’m sure Steve Clarke and his players will and should feel the same way.”

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