FORMER Forest and Derby legend Archie Gemmill expects England to put on an improved performance in tonight’s crucial Euro 2020 tie with traditional rivals Germany – but doesn’t rate them as one of the competition’s six most likely winners.
Gemmill, now 74, lit up the 1978 World Cup in Argentina with an outstanding individual goal for Scotland against Holland but says both England and Scotland have lacked X-factor.
Speaking at a charity golf day at Oakmere Golf Club in aid of Blesma, which supports limbless veterans, featuring a number of fellow Forest legends, Gemmill said:
“England have been very quiet so far. For them, it’s all about gelling which I expect them to do because they have very good players. “Looking at them, it’s as if they have never played with each other before.”
Gemmill believes manager Gareth Southgate needs to abandon his policy of playing two defensive midfield players.
“Having just one player in front of the back four would help the side going forward,” he said. “As for Jack Grealish, he is the type of player who can be exceptional but other times doesn’t contribute as much.”
Ominously, Gemmill rates Germany as one of his top tips, alongside Italy and France. But he doesn’t believe Scotland have made big strides despite qualifying for their first major tournament finals for 23 years.
“I thought they were woeful against the Czech Republic, then improved against England when perhaps if they had taken an early chance, they might have held on to win. “I thought Scotland had every chance against Croatia who aren’t the team they were.”
Gemmill played alongside former Reds Duncan McKenzie and Willie Young in the charity event. Other former Forest stars taking part in a day organised by Superstar Speakers included Des Walker, Gary Mills, Henry Newton, John O’Hare, Kenny Burns and Larry Lloyd. Notts County were strongly represented by Les Bradd and Ian McCulloch.
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Archie Gemmill is one of the Nottingham Forest Legends set to appear at our Miracle Men Reunion in December 2021
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