Leeds United captain Liam Cooper was given a shock start for Scotland against Czech Republic in the nation’s opening Euro 2020 match.
Kieran Tierney was widely expected to play at left-centre-back in Steve Clarke’s 3-5-2 system but the Leeds United captain filled in as Tierney was injured. Two excellent goals from Czech striker Patrick Schick – the second of which was from 45 yards out – sealed a 2-0 defeat for Scotland ahead of two remaining group games with England and Croatia.
Cooper featured for Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Cooper has made a handful of appearances for his country, his first start at a major tournament coming off the back of a successful season at Leeds United. His selection in the Scotland XI means Cooper will be remembered for starting in Scotland’s maiden game at a major tournament since 1998.
But it didn’t end the way he or the nation would have wanted it to as an uphill task to get out of Group D looks likely. Fans have provided their assessment of Cooper’s display.
Glad to see #SCO back in a major tournament #EURO2020 Good to see @LiamCooper__ starting for Scotland #LUFC A shame he couldn't cover the classy header for the Schick goal #CZE but Scotland had some good chances to score. Hopefully the home Hampden crowd can roar the lads home ⚽️
— Wazza (@LeedsNSW) June 14, 2021
Liam Cooper's been Scotland's best player first half. No hilarious joke to follow. Just a genuine observation
— Lee Nicholas (@BrabinsGut) June 14, 2021
Liam Cooper has looked solid
— Arran (@ArranTro13) June 14, 2021
Robertson, McGinn, Armstrong, Christie, McTominay, Liam Cooper, Hanley, Marshall, Hendry. Key
— Jimmyinho (@faiqnadzmi) June 14, 2021
liam cooper gonna save scotland
— scuddz (@scuddzalt) June 14, 2021
Liam Cooper in a 0-2 defeat v Czech Republic:
90 mins played
96 touches
80% pass accuracy
65/81 successful passes
9 duels won
6 aerial duels won
6 ball recoveries
5 successful long passes
2 tackles won
2 interceptions
1 chance created
1 time fouled🏴 #Euro2020 #LUFC pic.twitter.com/4Y1Gb3Alq1
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) June 14, 2021
@LiamCooper__ Captain Coops. We’re gutted. But tell those boys we’re 100% behind them & remind them of Leeds after that play off semi & now. Believe and Never give in. #SCOCZE 🏴🏴🏴
— Smokin Joe (@smokinjoe8487) June 14, 2021
So if Tierney is fit Friday for #SCO who makes way because it better not be Super Duper Liam Cooper who I though was one of best #SCO players today
— Leeds Fan in Chicago (@ChicagoWhite) June 14, 2021
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