STEVE CLARKE gets the first chance to fine-tune his Euros blueprint tonight when Scotland take on the Netherlands in a friendly.
This clash with the Dutch is seen as the ideal warm-up for our Wembley group game against England as it pits the Scots against a European heavyweight.
And the odds are stacked against Clarke’s boys, with Holland 2/5 at McBookie for the win and Scotland 21/4 outsiders.
Since James McFadden’s glory goal shocked the Dutch at Hampden in the first leg of the Euro 2004 play-off, this fixture has provided nothing but heartache.
Berti Vogts’ side were walloped 6-0 in the return and Scotland have lost all three meetings since then without even grabbing a goal.
The last two games have ended in 1-0 defeats so long-odds punters might fancy a bet on a repeat of that scoreline at 43/5 with SBK.
But a Dutch win to nil might be a safer option at 13/8 with McBookie while under 2.5 goals pays 7/5.
England begin their build up against an Austria side that Scotland drew 2-2 with in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Three Lions are a best 4/9 with SBK but the odds increase to 6/5 at McBookie for a win to nil.
Wales face a daunting task against world champions France and I fancy a French win doubled with under 2.5 goals (20/21, McBookie).
Super Singles
- Netherlands win to nil (13/8, McBookie)
- France win and over 2.5 goals (20/21, McBookie)
McBookie star bet
- Steven Berghuis has scored in Holland’s last two games and is 6/4 for anytime scorer.