‘We want to make history’ – Andy Robertson issues Scotland rallying cry after Northern Ireland defeat

Andy Robertson insists Scotland can still make history at this summer’s European Championships by shifting their mindset from feeling ‘happy to be there’.

Robertson will captain his country in Germany, as he did at Euro 2020, with the host nation lying in wait on the opening night of the tournament on June 14. The Liverpool full-back went off injured in Tuesday night’s 1-0 friendly defeat at home to Northern Ireland as Steve Clarke’s side’s winless run stretched to seven matches.

Scotland have never progressed past the group stage in 12 previous visits to major tournaments, but Robertson believes an ever-improving mentality can make the difference this time around. Speaking at Hampden Park where a giant mosaic of Robertson made from Topps Euro 2024 trading cards was unveiled, the 69-cap full-back said: “We want to make history.

“We don’t fear what others have already done. A lot of this squad have played in a major tournament, which is a massive help. We had that experience of playing in the Euros and we know what we need to do.

“We are trying to become the most successful team Scotland has had. We have never been out the group and we would be the first team to ever do that.

“We have already created a bit of history as the first team to qualify in 20-odd years for a major tournament and that was a huge relief. But we don’t want to just be happy to be at the Euros, we want to compete.

“There is more expectation on us as well from the Tartan Army, they want us to compete, and they are not just happy to be there either. They want to be there after the group stages and it’s up to us to do that. That will definitely be our aim.”

Competing for major honours as a Liverpool player over the course of seven years at Anfield has sharpened Robertson’s resolve. The 30-year-old has been a key figure among Jurgen Klopp ’s fabled ‘mentality monsters’ during the German’s tenure and a treble remains a possibility during his final campaign.

But Robertson is not the only member of the Scotland squad competing for domestic honours and he has challenged his teammates to continue translating that form on to the international stage. “If you are building momentum personally, that always helps the team,” he said.

“Billy Gilmour is having a massive season for Brighton; he has really stepped up for them and become a regular starter. Ryan Christie has done unbelievably well for Bournemouth in a different position.

“We have a lot to play for between now and the end of the season – people going for trophies, or the top four, or promotion in the Championship. Competing at the top of leagues and for cups all helps feed that winning mentality and confidence.”

Robertson’s face will grace Hampden Park throughout the summer following the unveiling of the giant mosaic made up of more than 5,000 Topps UEFA EURO 2024 Match Attax cards inside the Scottish Football Museum. “It’s amazing to see it, and a bit surreal,” Robertson said of the mosaic, which was created by renowned artist Helen Marshall.