Scott McTominay picked Scotland after Gareth Southgate’s text about England

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Scott McTominay followed the wishes of Manchester United hero Sir Alex Ferguson by picking to play for Scotland over England – ignoring an approach from Gareth Southgate.

The 24-year-old midfielder plays a key role under Steve Clarke and is looking to make his mark at Euro 2020, but it all could've been different if it wasn't for Alex McLeish.

McTominay is one of three Scotland midfielders who were born below the border alongside Che Adams and Liam Cooper, but he made up his own mind as a teenager.

Making his full debut in 2018, he will play for the 25th time for his country this evening, and could come back to bite Southgate for his unconvincing attempt to pull him towards England.

Former United and Scotland forward Brian McClair told BBC Sport back in 2018: "Alex McLeish made a huge effort getting to Carrington to meet up with him, because it was in the middle of the bad weather that we had.

"He made it, put a case, Gareth Southgate sent him a text."

Adding: "He's an intelligent boy, he's mature, he's determined and we knew he was a good player, so he just needed people to have the faith in him to wait for him to develop into the athlete he is now.

Was Scott McTominay right to pick Scotland over England? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

"As far as I can remember, his gran's got a farm in Stranraer. When I found out that, I was always pushing him."

McTominay said earlier this week: “I’ve never regretted my choice, never even thought about it once.

“Playing for Scotland means everything to me. I respect Gareth Southgate so much as manager and what he’s done with the England team. He is a class act.

“He’s been superb how he’s conducted himself on and off the pitch, and during some really difficult, challenging times, everything that’s been going on in the world.

“It’s been a blockbuster of a year in terms of everything that’s pretty much happened on and off the football pitch.

“Gareth’s conducted himself amazingly well. So, yes, I’ve got every respect for him.”

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  • Manchester United FC
  • Euro 2020
  • England Football Team
  • Gareth Southgate

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