Scotland launch Euro 2024 as Bantams boss recalls Paris joy

Most remember the romantic French capital for affairs of the heart.

In the case of the City boss, it was sharing a magical moment surrounded by thousands of delirious Scotsmen.

Alexander won 40 caps for Scotland, the country of his father’s birth. But that Euro qualifier in France stands above all others.

Patrick Vieira, Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Lassana Diarra, David Trezeguet, Claude Makelele, Karim Benzema … the French cast list dripped with world-class names.

But it was Scotland who delivered a bloody nose courtesy of James McFadden’s screaming 30-yarder – with Alexander, playing left back, involved in the stout defensive resistance to repel the home side.

He told the T&A: “I bump into Scottish people all over and they always talk about that night in Paris like it was a romantic trip!

“Most people talk about a special night in Paris with their wives or girlfriends, not with their football team and beating a massive nation.

“But winning 1-0 was one of the best moments of my career. There were just Scotland flags everywhere.

“I remember coming out the tunnel and you always look around to see which is the Scotland end. For some reason, the whole stadium seemed to be the Scotland end!

“I don’t know how they did it but they certainly outnumbered the French support that night.

“That was one of the most special nights of my career when we beat France 1-0 and there were just Scotland flags everywhere.”

Scotland did not qualify for the finals – a regret that Alexander will always have after a couple of near-misses in the play-offs.

Alexander took his dad to watch their 0-0 draw with England at Wembley in Euro 2020 where defender Stephen O’Donnell, from his Motherwell team at the time, was playing for Scotland.

Underdogs Scotland produced a fine defensive display to draw 0-0 with England at Wembley during Euro 2020. (Image: PA.)

He said: “I had a chat with Stephen afterwards and said he'd experienced something I never got the chance to and I was jealous.

“I would love to have got to a major tournament and we did go close. But it’s great to see Scotland there again this time.”

Hosts Germany stand in their way in Group A, as do Hungary and Switzerland, as Steve Clarke’s team try to make it past that stage for the first time at a major tournament.

Alexander believes that elusive target is within reach.

He said: “I think Steve Clarke has brought a consistency to the squad and the whole picture of Scottish football.

“He’s been there now for a few years and is clear in what he wants. The players are really clear in how they play and act around each other – it’s like a club mentality.

“It’s always helpful when you are trying to produce winning teams.

“Scotland are well aware of the challenge they have facing much bigger countries with bigger pools of players. But if you get things right, you can be successful.

“I know everyone in Scotland wants to take it one step further and get out the group.

“It’s something Scotland have never done at a major tournament and the one thing we have to knock off. I think we have a great opportunity to do that.”

The Scots face Germany in Munich in the Euros curtain-raiser tonight, meaning it is a daunting kick-off for the perennial underdogs.

Alexander added: “We know it’s a tough group and there’s nothing harder than the first game against the hosts.

“But Scotland will take great confidence from beating Spain in the qualifiers. It proves they can beat one of the big nations and it’s fantastic having that knowledge going into a tournament.

Scott McTominay slams home his and Scotland's second goal in their 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden Park in a Euro 2024 qualifier last year. (Image: PA.)

“It’s a squad full of players playing at the highest level in the English Premier League.

“Nobody can deny what a top team and nation Germany have always been. But there’s no one unbeatable in world football.

“If we get off to a good start, it will stand us in good stead for the other group games.

“I’m looking forward to it. Being a Scotland supporter and having the opportunity to represent them for a few years, it’s brilliant to see them at the top table and trying to compete.

“Now hopefully we can go that one step further and qualify for the knock-out stages. That would be a great achievement.”

And Alexander knows from experience that they certainly won’t lack for backing from the fervent travelling support.

He said: “I played for Scotland for seven years and saw the Tartan Army follow us everywhere. It’s something I'll never forget.

“The numbers were always there. We had some tough times and they certainly let us know if we let them down or had a bad result.

“But I remember the good times and some of the countries we used to play in.

“You’d get there a few days before the game and be driving through some place you’d never been to before. You’d see Scottish flags all over the place and groups of people in their kilts.

“They saw every away game as an adventure to showcase the passion for the Tartan Army. It was brilliant to see.

“It would be great to reward them by taking that next step.”