Scotland swept aside Bolivia 4-0 in their final World Cup warm-up on Sunday, with Che Adams scoring a brace and Scott McTominay among the goalscorers. The result sent Steve Clarke’s side to the tournament on a high – their first World Cup in nearly 30 years.
For McTominay, the goal capped a remarkable few days. The Manchester United midfielder has been helping a former club teammate settle into the squad after a surprise call-up. Jack Fletcher, 19, was drafted in to replace the injured Billy Gilmour and has leaned on McTominay for support.
“Scotland won 4-0 against Bolivia in a World Cup warm-up, with Che Adams scoring twice and Scott McTominay on target.”
“It’s been a crazy week!” Fletcher said. “I didn’t really expect it but I am just taking it in my stride and loving every minute of it so far. In the changing room, after I found out Billy got injured and I was obviously gutted for him. The manager come up to me and said ‘I might not be the last time I see you on this trip’. I was a bit like: ‘Wow’. Then, the next morning, I got a call saying do you want to go to the World Cup.”
Fletcher, the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, has made three first-team appearances for the club. He previously represented England at youth level but chose Scotland. “I knew Scott from United, he has helped me a lot,” he added. “Kenny McLean has been top with me – really top guy. One of the best players I have ever trained with, he is so good.”
Scotland will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C. Clarke’s side have never qualified from the group stage. Sunday’s rout – which also featured goals from other scorers – has built belief ahead of their first World Cup appearance since 1998.