Gerard Butler predicts Scotland World Cup win against England

By Craig Meighan, Press Association Scotland reporter

Gerard Butler has urged the Scotland team to “play like the lions you are” at the World Cup in America.

The Hollywood actor said he was confident about the team’s chances as he predicted a 2-0 win against England in the final.

The Paisley-born star said he also thought the national team would beat Haiti on Sunday morning in Boston, its first group match.

Asked for his predictions, Butler told BBC Radio Scotland’s The Saturday Show: “I’m confident. I’m really proud of the team we have right now. If there was ever a chance of getting out of the group it is this one.

“I think we will win against Haiti 2-0. And Scotland to win the World Cup. We’ll win 2-0, final, hopefully against England.”

The Scot said the team had already made the nation “so proud”, before adding: “We get goosebumps.

“We’ve already done it – just go out and play like the lions you are, play with your hearts and have fun,” Butler added.

“I don’t want to put pressure on it, because the fact is we are at the World Cup and it is amazing. We are so proud of you boys.”

The Tartan Army arrived in force in Boston ahead of the country’s first World Cup match in 28 years.

First Minister John Swinney, actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan are among famous figures who have made the trip to the Massachusetts capital ready for the team’s first fixture against Haiti on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.

Meanwhile, Scotland fans across the country are preparing for the national team’s return with fanzones, pubs and other venues expected to be packed well into the night.

The late-night kick-offs for Scotland’s group stage games means that most councils around the country have chosen to allow extended licensing hours for pubs and other venues.

Monday June 15 will be a bank holiday to mark the occasion.