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The best reactions to Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour’s MOTM display v England

Planet Football •

Scotland‘s hopes of reaching the Euro 2020 knockout stage were kept alive by a brilliant collective performance to hold the old enemy England to a 0-0 draw at Wembley on Friday night.

But even in a superb team performance against much-fancied opponents, full of impressive individual displays, it was highly-rated Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour that shone brightest.

Gilmour was named the official man of the match, and gave the wider world evidence of why he’s been dubbed the Scottish Iniesta.

Emulating Marcus Rashford’s remarkable knack for memorable debuts, the 20-year-old has been awarded the Man of the Match award on his Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League debuts for Chelsea – and he maintained that stunning record on what was unthinkably his first-ever international start, in what was arguably Scotland’s biggest match since they faced England at Wembley at Euro 96, 25 years ago.

We’ve collected together some of the best reactions from Gilmour’s proud compatriots, Scotland’s manager and captain, as well as fans and pundits.

Andy Murray

Jose Mourinho

“The kid Gilmour in midfield, he made the difference. He was fantastic. He was always moving, always showing, he wanted the ball, he was turning under pressure. He linked the game much, much better,” the former Chelsea manager told talkSPORT.

Andy Robertson

Steve Clarke

“I don’t think there is any risk when you have somebody of Billy Gilmour’s talent,” said the Scotland boss.

“When you put him on the pitch you expect him to do what he did. He held the ball for us and allowed us to play through the midfield. I didn’t think it was a risk for the balance of the rest of the team. We were ready to support Billy in his role and I think we did that.”

“It was nice for Billy to get that start on a big stage and big platform. I have said for a long time, he’s the future of Scottish football, we try to keep a lid on it in the camp but performances like that will do him no harm whatsoever.”

Graeme Souness

OPTA

Billy Gilmour

The man himself looked pleased as punch. He had every right to be.

Scotland fans

READ: A combined England Euro ’96 and Euro 2020 XI

Chelsea fans

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Billy Gilmour Chelsea Scotland