THE NOTEBOOK: Whose idea was it to hold a minute’s silence rather than applause for Craig Brown? Plus, Mikel Arteta breathes a sigh of relief with Bukayo Saka left out of England XI

• Scotland legend Brown deserved better than boos during the minute’s silence  
• Arteta will breathe a sigh of relief as Saka was left out of the starting XI 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘ It’s All Kicking Off ‘

Whose idea was it to hold a minutes silence for the great Craig Brown before Scotland versus England? Silly idea.

Brown was footballing treasure, a man rightly revered north of the border. He deserved better than this.

Boos, counter jeers and chants of Eng-ger-land all inside sixty disgraceful seconds. It was a meaningful sentiment, no one doubts that – but what chances a minute’s silence is observed with dignity ahead of a clash where both sets of fans have such disdain for each other? 

The behaviour of England’s travelling support has improved greatly in recent years, but there remains a group of idiots who spoil it for everyone. 

Those in charge should have saw this coming. On this occasion, a minute’s applause to honour Brown, who died in June at the age of 82, would have been a far safer bet.

Craig Brown was footballing treasure, a man rightly revered north of the border

There were boos, counter jeers and chants of Eng-ger-land all inside sixty disgraceful seconds

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Mikel Arteta breathes sigh of relief

Mikel Arteta was breathing a sigh of relief as he caught sight of England’s starting XI.

Bukayo Saka, despite his emergence as one of Gareth Southgate’s key players, was named as a substitute here in Glasgow after being caught on the receiving end of some hefty Ukrainian ‘defending’ on Saturday. 

But his omission last night wasn’t strictly a result of Saturday’s bruising encounter. Mail Sport understands that Saka continues to be nagged by an Achilles problem that dogged him last season.

Mikel Arteta was breathing a sigh of relief as he caught sight of England’s starting XI

James Ward-Prowse should feel hard-done by 

A penny for James Ward-Prowse’s thoughts, this morning. Kalvin Phillips was back in the England team following a grand total of six minutes of first team football at Manchester City. 

Similarly, Harry Maguire has played more minutes for England this season than for Manchester United came on at half-time. How long can this go one for? You imagine Ward-Prowse – who has started the season brilliantly at West Ham – and others are wondering the same.

Gianni Infantino spotted with a familiar face

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance at Hampden Park, intriguingly sat next to Football Association chairwoman Debbie Hewitt. 

With Infantino being a former UEFA director they had a lot to talk about, of course.

 Barring an unexpected turn of events the UK and Ireland will host Euro 2028 with sources close to the FA branding the decision a ‘done deal’.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance at Hampden Park alongside Debbie Hewitt 

Scotland in the city

It was case of camera phones at the ready as Scotland’s players took commuters by surprise during a gentle pre-match stroll around the picturesque grounds of Blythewood Square Gardens. 

Steve Clarke’s side left their plush five-star Glasgow hotel at just before midday to stretch their legs ahead of kick-off. And it wasn’t only the locals who had to double-take; one Mail Sport reporter (en route to the gym!) was was also taken aback by their public walkabout.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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