SCOTLAND'S hopes of winning through to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time ended with a sobering 3-1 Euro 2020 defeat by Croatia at Hampden Park.

Saints duo Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams both started for the Tartan Army in Glasgow, but could not prevent the loss.

Scotland, playing in their first major tournament since the 1998 France World Cup, needed a victory in their final Group D fixture to reach the last 16, but despite a big effort fell short again.

Attacker Nikola Vlasic drove in the opener for Croatia in the 17th minute before Callum McGregor gave Steve Clarke’s side encouragement with a leveller three minutes from the break, his first international goal.

However, just after the hour mark, captain Luka Modric restored Croatia’s lead with a stunning strike from 20 yards before Ivan Perisic headed in a third in the 77th minute to seal the win and take the Croats through, with Scotland finishing bottom of the section with just one point.

Armstrong was replaced in the 70th minute by Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser, while striker Che Adams came off with six minutes to play in the defeat, with Kevin Nisbet introduced.

Scotland finish bottom of Group D with one point, having also lost to Czech Republic and drawn with England.

Croatia progress as group runners-up, with Gareth Southgate's England topping the group after beating the Czechs 1-0 at Wembley tonight.