Beaming Kris Boyd trolls England as Scotland leapfrog Auld Enemy in Nations League

Beaming Kris Boyd couldn’t resist a dig at his English colleagues after Scotland leapfrogged England into League A of the Nations League.

Our near neighbours were relegated from the top section after a draw with Germany as they warmed up for this year’s World Cup with a disappointing campaign. In contrast, Scotland have recovered from a chastening defeat in Ireland to top their group to secure promotion and secure a Euro 2024 playoff place.

Steve Clarke ’s men knew a point against Ukraine in Krakow would be enough to seal top spot at their opponents expense. A convincing 3-0 win over the same opponents at Hampden was followed up with a come-from-behind victory over Ireland at the weekend, setting up the Tuesday night showdown. Clarke didn’t have his troubles to seek. Injury, suspension and illness robbed him of several key stars, especially in defence. But the likes of Ryan Porteous and Aaron Hickey stepped up to the plate and put their bodies on the line to earn a vital clean sheet.

Covering the game for Sky Sports, former Scotland striker Boyd made sure to remind his peers in the London studio that it will be the Scots mixing it with the big boys in this competition next year.

He said: “I can smile now and you’ll have to support Scotland, because we’ll be the only British team in League A for the next one coming around!

“I touched on it earlier and for the majority of the night but Scotland defensively were outstanding tonight. When you look at it, Robertson, Tierney, hanley, McKenna, Patterson, Cooper, Souttar, McTominay’s played there as well - all missing tonight.

“But in came Hickey, Hendry, Porteous, Greg Taylor. Then Kingsley came on, Ralston came on. I know the old cliche is that you defend from the front,