John Souttar has acknowledged that Scotland were guilty last year of giving too much respect to England as they were subjected to an Elite Group battering in Belgium.

However, the defender is adamant that the young Scots will not repeat that mistake tonight when they meet the Auld Enemy once more.

Ricky Sbragia's side will fell as though they should have opened their campaign on Saturday with a comfortable win against Ukraine but instead earned a frustrating 0-0 draw. Scotland captain Adam King missed a penalty in the second half and his side also missed a host of chances, with Souttar's Dundee United team-mate Ryan Gauld unable to convert a gilt-edged opportunity.

By contrast, England - who are hosting the competition - got off to a flying start by dismantling Montenegro 6-0 in Walsall. That means Scotland need to win tonight to have a chance of qualifying for the finals in Hungary.

Souttar was part of the Under-19 squad which reached the same stage of the competition last year and which were taken apart ruthlessly by their English contemporaries. The Scots could count themselves fortunate to lose only 3-0 in Antwerp.

The United defender was one of the very few players that night who gained pass marks for his display and the classy teenager is relishing the rematch.

"I don't think we will be intimidated by England," said the 17-year-old. "We're all confident that we can do the job against them so here's hoping we can. You can't fear them, that's massively important.

"We need to step up again. A year ago we were gutted. I was still young and maybe didn't take it all in. It was good to be there and part of it, but we gave them far too much respect last year and we won't do that again.

"We need to beat them so we can't look at them and say 'wow, they're England' and sit off them. I don't think that's how we'll play. We gave them far too much respect."

Souttar and Gauld have been touted heavily as stars of the future for their country. Much is expected of Gauld, in particular, and that sentiment seemed to be endorsed by a Ukraine side which gave the United forward special attention on Saturday. He did managed to wriggle free once and won the penalty after darting into the penalty box.

Souttar has noted that his colleague is working hard to improve in the physical aspects of the game. "He outmuscled one of the Ukraine players, which shows how far he's come," he added. "Last year he would have been brushed aside."