Scotland vs. Belgium
International Friendly
Friday, Sept. 7 | 1:45 p.m. CT | ESPN+
Hampden Park | Glasgow, Scotland
Winger Johnny Russell has parlayed his breakout season with Sporting Kansas City into a call to the Scotland Men’s National Team for two high-profile matches, beginning with Friday’s friendly against world No. 2-ranked Belgium at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The contest will stream live at 1:45 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
Prior to joining Sporting KC this January, Russell had collected four caps for Scotland from 2014-2016. The 28-year-old has thrived in Kansas City, however, amassing 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions to catch the eye of Scotland head coach Alex McLeish.
Russell returned to the international scene this spring, landing his first start for Scotland in a narrow 1-0 friendly loss to Mexico on June 2 at the infamous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. With Russell’s most recent inclusion on the 22-man roster, he is the only player in the squad to play outside of Great Britain at the club level.
Russell’s goal and assist totals both lead Sporting KC this season, and his impressive attacking outlay will give him the chance to compete against one of the best national teams on the planet. Belgium were semifinalists at the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer and boast a star-studded roster that includes the likes of Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku and veteran defenders such as Manchester City’s Vincent and Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Friday’s clash will serve as a valuable tune-up for a Scotland side that kicks off its 2018-19 UEFA Nations League campaign next Monday against Albania at Hampden Park. Scotland and Albania will join Israel in Group C1, with a double-round-robin seeing each team play four times between now and November. The first-place finisher will earn promotion to League B for the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
Joining Russell in the Scotland attack are Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths and Hearts frontman Steven Naismith. With seven goals in 45 caps, Naismith is the most-capped and highest-scoring field player in the Scotland squad. Only 35-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon has more appearances with 55.
Russell landed his Scotland senior debut in a November 2014 friendly against England. As a youth international, Russell represented Scotland at the U-19 and U-21 levels.
Scotland Roster
Goalkeepers: Jordan Archer (Millwall), Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Rangers)
Defenders: Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen O'Donnell (Kilmarnock), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), John Souttar (Heart of Midlothian), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Ryan Jack (Rangers), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Callum Paterson (Cardiff City), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United)
Forwards: Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Oli McBurnie (Swansea City), Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City)
